Bicester welterweight Ant Miller enjoyed a unanimous points decision against Tom Steele at Cheltenham leisure centre on Friday.

Miller, 28, in his 11th appearance for the club, had the better of a cagey opening against the home club boxer, with the highlight a looping right hand which connected with Steele’s chin towards the end of the round, which he managed shake off.

Miller stepped up the intensity in the second round, punching with more authority and pushing Smith back to the ropes before unloading with menacing hooks.

Steele tried to fend Miller off with long-range attacks, but was unable to stop his opponent, the hooks to both body and head were visibly affecting Steele who bled from the nose.

Just as the bell was about to sound, Miller landed a vicious left hook to Steele’s body that had his opponent wincing in pain.

Miller was setting the pace, which forced his opponent onto the back foot.

As the round came to an end, punches were raining in from Miller and Steele looked unsteady on his feet as the Bicester fighter took a unanimous decision on the judge’s scorecards.

Bicester head coach Daza Usher was delighted with his boxer’s display.

“Ant has worked so hard this year and deserves this victory,” said Usher.

“He always trains with real intensity and has really improved over the last few months.

“He’ll now just be ticking over throughout the Christmas period before getting back in the gym to prepare for next season”.

Miller added: “It feels good to be back in the ring.

“My last contest was a very disputable draw so I’m now back to winning ways.

“The coaching at Bicester Boxing Club has really helped me improve my skills and I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym”.