Boxer Fabio Wardley hails Ipswich fans after last-gasp knockout wins hometown heavyweight clash
But despite securing victory against previously unbeaten Australian Justis Huni in Saturday night's clash at Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium, he vowed to improve in the future after admitting he was far from his best.
Ipswich fighter Wardley, 30, only started boxing at a local gym when he was 19, taking part in just four white collar fights before turning professional.
He has since risen up the heavyweight ranks at breakneck speed, culminating in Saturday's historic bout in his home town - the first time Portman Road has ever hosted a boxing event.
However, with the rain pouring down, for much of the fight it had looked like Wardley's big night would turn out to be a damp squib as Huni dominated proceedings.
Huni, 26, had only stepped in at late notice after Wardley's previous opponent, American Jarrell Miller, was forced to withdraw from the contest because of a shoulder injury.
With timing running out, Wardley's trademark power once again saved him though - a savage right hand in the 10th round sending Huni crashing to the canvas.
The remarkable finish will live long in the memory of the 20,000-strong crowd in attendance, and after the fight, Wardley said the victory wouldn't have been possible without the support of the fans who braved the wet weather to get behind him.
"There's been so many great fighters who have great fan bases, great support," he said.
"They can shift a bunch of tickets, and even then, they still don't get to pull off a stadium fight in their home town. And little old white collar Wardley has somehow pulled this off."
Reflecting on his performance, Wardley added: "Performance wise, I am much better than I showed tonight but sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do to win. It's not always going to be perfect.
"I am going to have to figure things out on the fly and grit through it, and fortunately I have got that in me. I've got to learn and these fights make me better."
The knockout was Wardley's 18th in 19 fights, and moved him a step closer to a potential world title shot.
Wardley is now ranked number one by the WBA - meaning he could be in a strong position to face the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk v Daniel Dubois fight next month.
Whatever happens in the future, Wardley has at least now achieved his lifelong dream of fighting at the home of his beloved Ipswich Town, and given fans a night to remember.
"He showed a lot of resilience and grit in there," said Wardley's promoter, Frank Warren.
"It only takes one punch. He found the punch and he did it. He did the business in style. That's what he is. He's a fighter."
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