ESSEX University heavyweight Rahim Lake has been crowned Eastern Counties heavyweight champion.

Lake, weighing in at 91kg, powered his way to an impressive stoppage win over St Ives’ Richard Januszek, at Five Lakes.

Lake showed his intent from the opening bell, in his first bout of the season.

Taking centre ring, he powered a fast left jab onto the target of the St Ives boxer.

Both boxers then exchanged hard left rights, with neither giving ground.

Lake did not want to be pushed back and when he allowed himself to, a stinging right hook caught Januszek flush on the chin.

It sent the St Ives boxer to the canvas for an eight count and only the bell saved him from being hit with further hard shots.

The second round saw Januszek take the initiative from Lake and he connected with some strong left rights.

The Essex University boxer weathered the storm well but lost concentration late in the round when Januszek caught him with a heavy right hand that forced him to hold.

It was all action in the final round, with Lake showing his power and strength, dropping his opponent for another eight count.

Januszek tried to hold on upon rising and was told off by the referee.

The powerful Lake then dropped his man for the second eight count of the round and took charge of the bout.

And when he landed with a straight right which saw Januszek’s knees stagger, the St Ives corner threw the towel in but not before the referee had decided enough was enough.

As a result of his win, Lake has progressed into the English development stage quarter-finals which take place in Aldershot, this Sunday.

Essex University boxer Jamie Hercus is hoping to become the club’s first-ever England boxing national champion, this weekend.

He travels to the Magna Rotherham to contest the English Junior under 80kg national final, on Saturday.