Co Durham boxers Darren Surtees, Chris Wallace win in a flash

The Peterlee-based prospects won in double quick time.

Surtees is making a habit of ruthless finishes, but Saturday’s 34-second demolition of Chris Adaway was rapid in by his standards.

The exciting Thornley light-welter won in the opening session on his last appearance at Rainton Meadows and repeated the trick here, decking the Plymouth opponent with a devastating right.

Adaway did get to his feet but was unsteady and after being staggered again, thankfully Andrew Wright waved it off.

The same referee was in control when Wallace made his first ring entrance as a pro, receiving a tumultuous reception from the packed crowd at the Houghton venue.

Wallace, a great junior as an amateur, was matched with Halifax’s Vinny Atkins, who was having only his second paid bot.

The home boxer moved nicely in a bright and breezy first round, a right upper cut earning cheers from the crowd, though Atkins proved accurate with his shots.

But round two was totally different, Wallace taking charge before flooring Atkins with a left hook, the 33-year-old failing to beat Mr Wright’s count, to send thehome fans into ecstasy at one minute, 30 seconds.

Unbeaten Crimdon boxer Jay Hughes looked sharp and polished in a four-round points victory against Nuneaton veteran Kristian Laight, while Sunderland cruiserweight Warren Baister extended his winning run to five fights when he beat Christian Adjoufack.

The ex-Olympian retired with a shoulder problem at the end of round two.