Nikki Bascome overcame his first real test with a unanimous points victory over Iwan “Pure Gold” Azore at the Fairmont Southampton last night.

Bascome continued his unbeaten start to his professional career with a thoroughly convincing performance against by far and away his most credible opponent to date.

The 26-year-old weathered Azore’s initial storm before seizing control of the six-round welterweight bout in the third with some fierce combinations to his opponent’s body.

Azore, an experienced southpaw, never recovered and Bascome dominated the remainder of the contest with his jab, as well as catching his adversary with some meaty right hands.

“After each round I kept asking my coach [Allan ‘Forty’ Rego], ‘Have I won the round, have I won the round?’

“I knew I was taking control in the third and my body shots were slowing him down.

“I started gaining my rhythm and timing. Once I started letting my right hand go and finding my target, I knew it would be there all night.”