Witney light-middleweight Steve Mullins booked his ABA quarter-final place after a polished win over Phoenix rival Paul Brown at the West Country finals at Exmouth.

This was the second meeting between them the Oxfordshire man won on points when they contested the West Country middleweight crown two years ago.

Brown used his extra height and reach to find his range first with the jab, but Mullins's guard remained resolute, catching most of the blows on the gloves and arms.

He was quick to counter with lefts to the body and short rights, delivered sweetly and precisely.

Mullins picked up a public warning for holding in the final session of this uncompromising encounter, although Brown appeared equally guilty.

The 20-year-old Penhill ABC boxer always had the edge in power and precision, which was evident in the 13-7 decision awarded to him.

"That was a really hard fight," said Mullins. "He was so strong and has improved a tremendous amount since I boxed him the last time.

"But I was confident all the way through that I was catching the eye of the judges with the right hand and was ahead on points."