A war for the ages was expected, promised, and was certainly delivered by Ryan Rozicki and myself.

I think it’s fair to say he will be the toughest man I will ever face.

He came out all guns blazing, as we thought he would, including the use of his head, which we knew would be a factor that needed to be addressed.

The referee dealt with it well and deducted a point in the second round, which definitely deterred Ryan from continuing to foul (most of the time).

(Image: NQ)

I said during filming with Sky Sports’ ‘The Gloves are Off’ that Ryan himself wouldn’t have any quit in him, but I would have to do enough work to convince his corner to stop the fight, and eventually, that is exactly what happened at the end of round 7.

The question I have been asked the most since the fight is, “What were you thinking when you hit him in the 6th round with all those unanswered blows?”

The answer is, “If I just keep punching, surely the ref will have to jump in at some point!”

Of course, the ref did not jump in because Ryan showed him something by throwing a couple of punches back at me.

(Image: NQ)

Post-fight, I was told Ryan had been taken straight to hospital, which was why, when getting my hand raised by the referee, my celebrations were quite muted.

I was really concerned because I know how often and hard I hit the man; I saw him with oxygen in the corner.

Backstage, as I was getting my small cut looked at, I broke down to Mia.

It is a brutal sport, and all of us boxers are aware that we sign up for that, but long-term damage to my opponent is my worst nightmare.

I have people close to me in boxing that have been in that situation, and it’s the thing I want to happen.

(Image: NQ)

I was extremely happy to hear at the hospital that night, from members of Ryan’s team, that he was indeed okay.

I then spoke to him at the hotel the morning after the battle.

We had a good chat, took some photos, and wished each other well for the future.

I have since been on a nice family/training holiday to Majorca, and although I am yet to know what is next, I am excited.

It was a long time out of the ring, but being back at the BIC in front of that atmosphere made me realise why I continue to do this ridiculous sport.

Thank you to everyone who was there, tuned in, wished me well, and congratulated me since.

Your support is immensely appreciated.

BIG love,

CBS