THE NSW League Boxing Amateur light-middleweight belt will remain in Orange for a little longer, at least, after Jack Littlefield defended his 61-71kg title last weekend, claiming a unanimous points win over Wodonga’s Corey Pyle - regularly labelled one of the best amateur boxers in the state.

With the bumper Albury crowd in Pyle’s corner considering he hails from just over the border, Littlefield’s fitness and technique came to the fore as he took out at least three of the frenetic bout’s four rounds.

It helped that Littlefield, 18, roared home in the fourth, finishing as strongly as he has in any of his previous 30 fights.

Dave Littlefield, Jack’s father and trainer, said considering it was his son’s first title defence and the circumstances surrounding the fight, it was a huge scalp.

“Corey is a very experienced boxer who was having his last amateur fight before turning professional in about a month,” he explained.

“The sold-out crowd made for a great atmosphere, they were the last fight on a big card and didn’t come into the ring until after midnight.

“The referee told us after the fight it was one of the best amateur boxing bouts he’s ever seen down on the border.”

After a close first round Littlefield shifted up a gear, gaining ascendency in the second and third rounds through his controlled aggression, sterling footwork and powerful, accurate body shots.

The fourth and final round began at a frantic pace, with Pyle coming out hot, well aware he’d need to at least claim the round, or stop Littlefield, to have a chance at winning the bout and belt.

Littlefield maintained his composure though, his constant pressure on the inside had Pyle on the back foot and ultimately helped the  Orange boxer win comfortably.

“It was a really tough fight,” Jack Littlefield said via Facebook, before thanking his father for the effort put into his training.

“All the sacrifices have been worth it.”

“Jack would also like to thank Subway Orange for their support, he’ll be having a short break then a couple of fights over the next few months,” Dave Littlefield said.

“Then he’s hoping to go to the [Australian Amateur Boxing League National Championship] later in the year, [and] he’d also like to defend his state title again before the year is out.”

matthew.findlay@fairfaxmedia.com.au