Pauls, who took his record as a professional to 19 wins, one draw and one loss, was quick to praise his opponent.

“I had to put a dent in Nathan, he has a very good engine, he’s very durable and has a very good chin, I caught him clean and he stayed on his feet multiple times and he didn’t give up.

“I knew eventually I’d get to Nathan and had to keep applying the pressure.”

He added: “I respect him massively, I’m not sure what he will do next, but he didn’t look bad in there, I think he put up an absolutely amazing fight and he should carry on and all the best for him.”

As for what is next, Pauls says he is happy to take on whoever is put up in front of him.

“I’ll fight anyone they want me to fight, I’m sure there’s lots of options out there, it’s a very busy middleweight division.

“[Hamzah] Sheeraz, [Tyler] Denny, it is stacked, so whatever they want I’ll do it.

“I’m just enjoying my moment and it’s a pleasure.”