Streatham bantamweight Bourke loses tilt at British and Commonwealth titles

Streatham bantamweight Chris Bourke was stopped in the sixth round as he failed to land the British and Commonwealth belts on Friday night.

The 29-year-old was a big favourite to claim the two titles – which were both vacant.

But Lane – now 18-10-2 – poured on the pressure in the sixth round to force the referee’s intervention.

Bourke’s record drops to 13-2 and it is the second time he has come up short challenging for the domestic crown after being outpointed in 2022 by Marc Leach.

Bourke had won three in a row since then heading into this weekend’s bout at Bethnal Green’s York Hall.

Lane told TNT Sports: “I left home at 18 and I was homeless a few times. My life has been up and down. I was homeless and suicidal. It’s been brutal but ever since I was 15 I was asked about my ambitions and I said nobody from Northampton has won a British title. I said I’d be the first – and I am.

“I am happy to pave the way for the rest now.”

Lane had a deep cut above his right eye which he was adamant came from a clash of heads and not a punch.

“It didn’t bother me because it wasn’t going into my eye and you can’t stop a fight on a cut that isn’t hindering a fighter,” he added.

“Now that I have won the British there is going to be even more people on my tail.

“I’ve worked day and night – everything – for this. It will live in my heart and mind forever – until the day I die. It could be the pinnacle of my career.”