A KEIGHLEY boxer is continuing his progression through the professional ranks nicely after earning a comfortable points decision win.

Ibrahim Nadim, who is trained by former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton, moved to 3-0 by outfoxing Jonny Phillips on a behind-closed doors bill topped by Leeds' Josh Warrington suffering a shock first defeat.

Nadim, 21, had almost been out of the ring for a year, due to the pandemic, and was back with a genuine step-up.

On four weeks notice, Phillips was 5-5 coming into the bout after sharing the squared circle with the likes of Leeds prospect Hopey Price and ex world title challenger Stephen Smith.

The notion experience would come out on top was expelled by Nadim who used his supreme boxing skills to gradually impress referee and scorer Bob Williams.

Hatton had been slightly critical of his super bantamweight's gung-ho approach in his opening two contests, decisions over journeymen Misael Zeledon and Stefan Nicolae, but it was a more measured performance which won him plaudits in this display at the SSE Arena, Wembley.

During the pairs' entrances, roofer Phillips soaked in the moment, while Ibby was eager to get the job done.

Though it was a slowish start by the home fighter, both were jostling without landing much. Phillips' brash overhand right the highlight which probably bagged him the opener.

The rough and ready 'Matador' steamed out at the beginning of each of the six rounds. However, Nadim was composed utilising his amateur pedigree to cleverly bypass any rushed onslaught.

The Keighley man upped the pace in the second, and was much more assured three minutes later. He jumped on Phillips' wild swings, finding scoring rights.

Nadim is predictably still adapting to the more blood and thunder style the pro game adopts. He often boxes in and out when planting his feet would achieve more punishing success.

Nevertheless, he was a step above on the night, making his 29-year-old opponent look silly at times with his silky counters.

By the time the bell sounded for the final stanza, the Sandhurst charge knew he needed a knockout. 

Coming out like an steam train, Nadim used wisdom beyond his years to calmly run away with a 60-55 decision on ref Williams' scorecard.

"I thought I did well." said the Steeton-born boxer. 

"I just took my time and tried to outbox him. When he got tired I put it on him.

"I was expecting him to come out fast but I think he tried to save himself for the later rounds in case he needed it.

"I was planning to box him. In my first two fights, I came out too quick and I was getting hit with silly shots.

"I took my time and paced it. I thought I did well. A lot of people thought it would be a close fight. I outboxed him easily.

"I needed a fight like that just to see where I'm at."