FERNDOWN southpaw Iain Weaver claimed title glory – after fighting a surprise opponent.

The 28-year-old won the PBC Silver International Championship when he knocked out Michael Barnor in the first round in Aberdeen on Saturday.

Weaver, who fights off a British and Irish licence, had been due to face Ghanaian Emmanuel Addo for the vacant PBC Commonwealth Championship.

A spokesman for the British and Irish Boxing Authority told the Daily Echo that Addo had been refused a visa and that his replacement, Victor Ray Ankrah, had failed to turn up.

Barnor, who Weaver had fought a month earlier again as a stand-in for Addo, was sent by a matchmaker in Ghana to fill the void.

This came as a surprise to BIBA chiefs, who knew nothing of the switch until Barnor’s arrival on the day.

Given Barnor possessed a less impressive record than Addo, the belt had to be downgraded to Silver International level.

Weaver told the Daily Echo: “I’m just thankful a replacement was available and that he was good enough to box for a title.

“Now I’m looking to fight abroad in mainland Europe and America and to really get up the rankings.

“Hopefully, we’re going to get some sponsors on board, which could help. I want to have as many fights as possible.”