ContinueKell Brook was given the hardest test of his professional career as he had to survive a war with Carson Jones at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield.
The undefeated welterweight was fighting in his hometown and was forced to show his grit and heart as he was badly hurt on a number of occasions by the experienced American fighter.
Brook eventually came through the war to earn a decision on two of the judges scorecards who scored the contest 116-113 and 115-113, while the third judge scored the bout a draw.
'Special K' certainly showed his undoubted boxing skills in the first half of the contest as he managed to keep Jones at range, however, it became much harder in the second six rounds.
Brook became bloodied and appeared to suffer a broken nose as Jones sensed an upset and moved in for the knockout. The American had won his last eight fights by stoppage and he looked to do the same in against the home town favourite.
Jones continued his barrage right to the final bell as he continually put Brook under pressure and backed him into the ropes. Fortunately he was able to survive and has now extended his record to 28-0.
"It was a tough fight but I came through it and got the result after 12 hard rounds," the 26-year-old said. "I think the nose is broken and it affected me. I was tired halfway through.
"I think I got the diet right but I need to get top men involved so I can sustain it through the whole fight. Things need to be addressed.
"I'll come back stronger. I'm still unbeaten and I proved I've got the heart. It did get tough in there but I stood my ground, got through the fight and did what I needed to do to get the win. I didn't like Carson in the build-up but he's earned my respect here."
On the undercard it was a night of redemption for both Gavin Rees and Gregorz Proska who both avenged losses to pick up titles on Saturday night.
Rees stopped Derry Matthews in the ninth round to win the European lightweight title, while Proska was also able to reclaim the European middleweight strap by avenging his loss to Kerry Hope with an eighth round stoppage.
