Tommy Fletcher on his first-round win at The O2 on Saturday being a late contender for knockout of the year

Tommy Fletcher is revelling in his ‘best knockout yet’ as he signed off his first year as a professional with a highlight-reel finish at The O2 in London on Saturday night.

The former Attleborough Boxing Club member landed a devastating left uppercut to put away Jiri Krejci in the first round, with the bout shown live on BT Sport as part of the Zach Parker v John Ryder undercard.

The finish has attracted plenty of attention with it being lauded as a late contender for knockout of the year, and saw Hockwold cum Wilton's Fletcher improve his pro record to 3-0.

“It was a proper shot,” the 20-year-old said. “I wasn’t nervous, but I did have a few extra nerves.

“This guy was coming to win. He had a good ranking in the Czech Republic and I watched some of his fights on YouTube.

“He was coming to give it a go. For the international fighters flying over they see the setup, with Frank Warren, the cameras, it’s all very professional and they think it’s their time to shine.

“I always knew he would start fast, but I kept him long with the jab and then boom, the uppercut and I felt it.

“I’ve had two other stoppages but this one is being listed as a contender for knockout of the year.

“I had a lot of support in the crowd and they were all absolutely buzzing, singing and chanting after, it was crazy.

“I want to get a bigger fanbase and get more people to get behind me and put Norfolk on the map.

“My phone has been non-stop since Saturday and a lot of big names in boxing have been talking about the knockout. That’s the company I want to be with!”

It has been a debut year to remember in the pro ranks for Fletcher, who as a teenager won both the National Development and Junior Championships while representing Attleborough, before signing a contract with promoter Frank Warren and Queensbury Promotions in March.

“Six months ago I made my pro debut and now I’ve had three fights, not many 20-year-olds get to do that,” the cruiserweight said.

“I turned pro during Covid. I was putting the graft in and working hard like I was in a training camp, but there was nothing else to do.

“As an amateur I won two national titles and had a GB assessment, I done it all, but I didn’t fancy going down the Olympic route.

“When I look back on this year I think Saturday is definitely up there. It’s the best knockout I’ve had yet.

“But you never get your debut back. To walk out to a packed Wembley Arena on a Joe Joyce card with all the cameras, it was mad.

“Because of Covid that was actually my first senior fight against a grown man and with no head guards.

“I just want to thank Jimmy and Mark (Tibbs), my manager Frank Warren and all of my sponsors as without them I couldn’t live this life as a full-time professional.

“I won’t be taking my eye off the ball. I’ll still train over Christmas to keep my weight down.

“Next year I want to step up to six rounders and stronger opponents. I need to be fitter and smarter and box better, but I’m still learning my craft and I’ve got a very long way to go.”