Boxer Anth Hardy happ to take his time

boxing at Temple Park Centre, South Shields - Anthony Hardy v Jason Nesbitt

Patience is not always a virtue you find in this sport, but the Hartlepool and Horden light-welterweight says he will not rush.

Hardy racked up his sixth win as a professional on Sunday when he outpointed veteran Brummie Jason Nesbitt over six rounds at South Shields, referee Graeme Williams scoring it 60-54.

After struggling to get out of first gear in his previous win, on the Summer Rumble in July, Gus Robinson Developments head coach Peter Cope challenged the 22-year-old to carry his form in the gym into the ring.

“I was over the moon with Sunday,” Hardy told SportMail.

“Peter wanted me to show some consistency and get the rounds in and I think I did both.

“I felt I’d hurt him a couple of times but I didn’t go too mad and kept my boxing together.

“I think being patient is the best way.

“I look at how [team-mate] Peter Cope has made progress.

“He got to eight straight wins before coming into title contention.

“I’d like to try to go down the same route.

“I know if I keep winning and performing then it will come.

“Before Sunday, Peter had said that he wanted me to box as I have been doing in the gym.

“When I came back to the corner on Sunday, he said ‘that’s beautiful, you’ve done exactly what you were asked to do’.

“It’s up to me now to keep that going.”

Hardy impressed at Temple Park, landing sharp jabs and nice combinations against a battle-hardened veteran who is just shy of 200 professional bouts.

Stopping a man who makes survival an art form was always unlikely and Hardy admitted he found Nesbitt a tough nut.

“He’s so durable and he must have the hardest head in boxing, I broke my knuckle hitting him,” said the Horden southpaw.

“Like most journeymen he had a few swings and a 30-second burst.

“He threw some rights and I half raised my hand to the fans as if to say ‘don’t worry I can take them all day’.

“He was a tough fella who seemed to walk forward non-stop but I either took his punches or used my ring craft to evade them.”

Hardy paid tribute to the fans who supported him in their customary fashion.

“I did not sell as many as I’ve done before, but the 60-odd who were there made a real racket,” said the former Horden ABC boxer.

“I’d like to thank them and my sponsors for all the support.”