Sheffield boxing: Sam's stock has risen despite defeat to Tommy Langford

Sheffield’s Sheedy took his unbeaten opponent the distance and, in the eyes of one judge, should have won.

But he was on the end of a split decision defeat and has quickly registered his desire to fight Langford again.

Sheffield trainer Glyn Rhodes said: “We will be formally asking for a re-match bit I don’t think for a moment that they would accept that. Sam drove him up the wall.

“He didn’t know what to do with Sam and seems very one-dimensional, he isn’t capable of changing his tactics.

“Considering the bookies gave Sam no chance and that Tommy is supposed to be so super-fit I am very pleased with the way Sam kept on it all the way to the end while Langford could barely stand up.”

The Devon man got the split decision to become new British middleweight champion. Sheedy had gone into the fight seemingly super-confident. But Rhodes said: “Sam had never done 12 rounds before and was a bit concerned at the back of his mind about going the distance. He’d been put under a lot of pressure for 10 rounds in his previous fight, with Andrew Robinson, but Langford couldn’t do the same. “Sam now knows that he can do 12 rounds and given the fact that BoxNation were so pleased with his performance and showmanship, I think other doors will open for him.”

Rhodes added: “While Langford looked the busier, Sam’s shots were more on target. Sam will be well rated across Europe now.”

Langford told the North Devon Journal: “It’s overwhelming. You strive for this and always believe you can do it. It was the first time for a while I’ve felt a bit nervous but it was a good thing. I couldn’t do what I usually do and throw 100 punches a round, I had to really focus and stick to the game plan.

“It is nice to end around Christmas, it’s another belt for the baby and now I’ll go back and have a few ciders.”