Richard Commey won the vacant Commonwealth lightweight belt on Saturday night after being taken the full distance for the first time in his professional career by Gary Buckland.

The judges scored in favour of the Epping-based fighter, 117-111, 117-111, 118-110 to land the Ghanaian the Commonwealth title at the first attempt.

Commey, 27, had never previously been taken beyond the eighth round in any of his 17 bouts but the experienced Buckland pushed Commey all the way at York Hall.

The early rounds went the way of Buckland, who was looking to avoid back-to-back defeats following a split-decision loss to Gavin Rees in May.

Round six saw the pendulum swing in Commey's favour, with the ABU lightweight and IBF Continental African lightweight title holder taking charge of the centre of the ring and landing a number of body shots on Cardiff-born Buckland.

Commey was unable to land the telling blow but continued to control proceedings before Buckland was deducted a point for punching his opponent in the back of the head, handing the fight to the Ghanaian.