HOMECOMING parties are being held for Newquay boxer Brad Pauls who has become the first British champion from Cornwall in 85 years.

The Newquay Bomb is visiting Newquay AFC to show off his belts on Tuesday night at 6pm (July 23) and Newquay Town Council has invited the boxer to attend the end of summer session at the Killacourt on Saturday, August 24.

Brad became the British middleweight champion and the WBA continental middleweight champion after knocking out his opponent Nathan Heaney in the 12th round at the Resort World Arena in Birmingham on Saturday night.

The 31-year-old, who took his record as a professional to 19 wins, one draw and one loss, had more than 200 fans travel up to support him in the fight.

The English champion was held to a split draw by his Stoke opponent in their first clash back in March which meant Nathan kept the belt, but The Newquay Bomb ensured no scorecards would be needed.

Brad told the Newquay Voice: “The British title means the world to me. It is all I’ve ever dreamed of. I’m so happy to bring this belt back to Newquay and show it can be done. It is not about where you start, it is about where you finish. I can’t thank the Cornish support enough. They really got behind me and motivated me in the tough parts of the fight.

“I've worked for 21 years training as a boxer. I gave everything I've got in that fight and here it is. I’m the new British middleweight champion.”

A spokesperson for Newquay AFC said: “We’re thrilled that Brad Pauls, our very own British middleweight champion, will be visiting Newquay AFC.

“Join us to meet Brad, see his titles up close, and celebrate his amazing achievement with the local community. This special event will take place before our fixture against Falmouth Town. Let’s give Brad a warm Newquay welcome and enjoy a fantastic evening together.”

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek added: “Brad Pauls’ huge achievement showed an impressive determination and skill.

“The town will be unified it’s its pride of this home grown local with such talent, and we all wish him our congratulations.

“As mayor I have directed the officers to make contact with The Newquay Bomb and invite him to our closing session at the end of August so as a community, we can recognise his hard fought achievement the first time bringing this belt to Cornwall since 1939.

“We hope Brad Pauls will be able to attend and celebrate with the town.”