MICKEY Ellison is hoping his unique experience of fighting in Zimbabwe, an impressive win, can help him progress through the boxing ranks.

The event, staged in Harare last month, saw four British fighters head to Africa to represent the United Kingdom in the Kwese Sport’s Friday Fight Night Boxing Series 4.

And 28-year-old Ellison, from Darwen, upset home favourite, and in-form Wesley McDade to record victory.

Ellison is ranked 18th in the super-middleweight division in Britain his latest victory can help with his progression in the sport.

He stopped his opponent in just 30 seconds of the first round, to record his most impressive victory to date.

All of his previous fights have been in the north west, but it was a step in to the known as he headed over to Zimbabwe five days before the fight.

Coached by Alex Matvienko and Tom McNeil, of Elite Boxing in Bolton, and promoted by Steve Woods, Ellison admits the experience was one to remember.

“We are all trying to get to the next stage to get to title shots, so we are taking difficult fights,” said Ellison who helped the UK to a 2-1 victory from the four fights.

“This is a great opportunity to step up and take even bigger fights.”

McDade was coming off the back of four consecutive stoppage wins, but Ellison proved more than his match as he claimed a sixth victory of his career in a bout which was schedule for six rounds.

He travelled to Harare for the event alongside Marc Leach, a bantamweight from Salford, London super-welterweight Samuel Antwi and female super-welterweight Stacey Copeland who resides in Hyde.

Copeland was the only other fighter to record victory as she earned a unanimous points decision win over Mapule Ngubane to claim the vacant Commonwealth title.

Leach’s contest with Tapiwa Tembo ended in a draw, while Antwi was stopped by Emmany Kalombo.

Ellison is now hoping to step up to a 10 rounder which he hopes will happen before the end of 2018, having taken his record to 8-1 with a points win over Alistair Warren in Colne over the weekend.

The Harare trip also allowed him the chance to visit an orphanage.

“It was a really humbling experience, to be able to give back to those in a less fortunate position. We took over boxing tops and gifts to give to the children of the orphanage,” he added.

“Sport is such an incredible tool for connecting people and making a difference, it was amazing to share what I love with the children, and hopefully inspire them to follow their dreams. Visiting the country has been an incredible opportunity.

“To be there doing what I love - boxing as well as inspiring the children of Zimbabwe has been a privilege and I really am lucky and grateful for the opportunity.

“I’ve met some fantastic inspirational team mates and lifelong friends in the UK team along the way.”