Oxford Boxing Academy’s Dazza Usher emerged triumphant with an emphatic points victory over French rival Coulibad Madoni to claim gold at the European Box Cup at Alexandra Palace.

The three-day event attracted more than 300 boxers from across Europe to a tournament that has seen the standard improve dramatically season by Academy season to underline the growing importance of the competition.

Usher looked cool, focused and composed from the moment he climbed through the ropes to face a more experienced opponent in the welterweight final.

And he immediately refused Madoni’s invitation to become embroiled in a brawl, using the opening three minutes to test his range behind a tight guard.

The gaps in the Frenchman’s defence started to open up after the interval with Usher landing solid right hands and uppercuts.

With more in the tank, the Bicester fitness instructor used his nimble footwork to mesmerise Madoni in the final round, switching to the southpaw stance to extend his scoring opportunities.

Several body shots tested the Frenchman’s resilience and he repeatedly resorted to clinging on to survive.

Madoni’s clinging tactics almost brought him to the verge of public warning, having endured the wrath of the referee on several occasions.

But somehow the Frenchman managed to remain upright to last the Olympic-distance duration, although he was obviously wilting from the bombardment aimed in his direction.

Usher claimed a comprehensive victory – the most important win of his career.

Academy coach Faz Keyani said: “Dazza boxed brilliantly and employed the perfect tactics against a potentially very dangerous opponent.

“His success reflects the hard work put in at the gym ahead of this tournament.”