LEE Cutler became English super-welterweight champion after a gripping showdown with Kingsley Egbunike.

Cutler, who ended the contest with blood streaming from his left eye, claimed victory via unanimous points decision.

Two judges scored the contest 97-93, the other going 96-95 to Chaos.

It takes Cutler’s professional record to 14-1, Egbunike now 8-3-1.

Cutler was competing under the watchful eye of Josh Pritchard for the first time, having made the switch to the McGuigan’s gym and away from Kev Thorniley in recent months.

Cutler made a patient start, the pair trading left jabs as the taller Egbunike tried to keep Chaos at range.

The hometown fighter got the roar from the crowd in round two after trapping the Londoner in the corner with some big right hands.

But back came Egbunike with some impressive combo shots in the third.

A flurry near the start of the fourth from Egbunike appeared to spark Cutler into life, with an eye-catching response of his own.

Cutler then appeared to be getting on the front foot. Cheered on by Barry and Shane McGuigan, the 27-year-old forced Egbunike back towards his own corner, before a scrappy finish to the round against the ropes.

The barrage continued into round six, Obi doing well to withstand two big flurries from Cutler, before being saved by the bell.

But the Acton ace responded again, working his way back into the contest. He came flying out at the start of round seven, before tiring.

The pace had noticeably slowed during round eight, before two explosive final rounds.

Two big left jabs to the face eventually led to Egbunike slipping, before Cutler finished the round strong.

Into the final round and both men landed shots, Cutler seeing his left eye bust open, before the Poole man responded with a strong finish of his own.