Nottingham, UK (17 April 2003) -- Carl Greaves was still pinching himself this morning after winning the vacant WBF super-featherweight title at Nottingham Arena.
Dedicated Greaves finally got the title he has dreamed of when he beat tough little Ben Odamattey, from Ghana, on a unanimous points decision. It was hardly a classic, but Greaves thoroughly deserved the 118-112, 119-113, 117-111 verdict.
"I can't believe it. It's a dream come true," said a relieved Greaves, who has made a fairytale comeback after being banned from boxing for failing a brain scan.
"No one deserves it more because I have worked so hard over the years. He was tough, but I knew all along that he would be."
GREAVES HAILS HIS BELT-ING VICTORY
Newark's Carl Greaves is looking forward to getting his hands on the WBF belt again.Greaves beat tough Ben Odamattey from Ghana at Nottingham Arena last week to lift the super-featherweight title. But the impressive belt was taken off him as soon as he left the ring. "It is mine," said Greaves. "But, apparently they were short of belts and needed one for Adrian Dodson's super-middleweight title defence in Liverpool.
"But it's a superb belt and I can't wait to get my hands on it again."
Greaves, who is having six stitches removed from a cut over his eyelid today, says he can now go on to bigger and better things.
"This was the break I needed," he said. "I have worked so hard for it. There was a lot of pressure on me after losing two British title fights and that's why I didn't perform as well as I can.
"He could bang and I could not afford to take any chances.
"I wasn't happy with my performance but when I watched it on video I changed my mind.
"My jab was superb and I boxed his ears off."
Meanwhile, Carl Froch's next outing is likely to be in London on May 27.
He was hoping to fight on a televised bill in America this weekend, but that has fallen through.