Damaen Kelly was last night crowned European flyweight champion following a stunningly courageous performance against Russian Alexander Mahmutov.

Kelly took a majority points verdict at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, winning the fight 116-112 and 116-114 on two of the scorecards, with the third given as 114-114.

It appeared as if Kelly's big problem - cuts - would again return to haunt him, having suffered the only loss of his career to injury when he had to retire in the sixth round of his British and Commonwealth title defence against Keith Knox in May last year.

The writing again appeared to be on the wall for the brave Irishman, this time as early as the fourth round when he sustained a nasty gash to the side of his right eye.

A crisp right had almost put Kelly down earlier in the round, and when the referee called for the ringside doctor to later inspect the damage, another stoppage was in sight.

But the 27-year-old from Belfast was allowed to continue, and despite the cut proving to be a constant problem, Kelly's corner-men did a superb job in between rounds to keep their man in the fight.

It was to such an extent that Mahmutov was cut himself in the sixth, sustaining a nick to his left eye, but further good corner work prevented the injury from becoming any worse.

Kelly's sheer bravery and willpower helped him through the contest, closing out with two stunning final rounds, with Mahmutov badly cut to the inside of his left eye in the 12th.