AS A big puncher Andy Townend is used to things ending quickly - the birth of his daughter, however, came as a real surprise.

Fiancee Nicci, 25, was due to give birth by Caesarean section - just two days before a career-defining title fight for the Shafton boxer. But Andy got an early start at their Greenside home on Monday.

Andy, 25, said: "She woke me up at four in the morning to say her waters had broken. I said, all right, but let me have another hour.

 

"By time I came around she had organised everything and all I had to do was drive her to Barnsley hospital.

"We got to hospital about 5am and Poppy was born before 7am."

Andy says he is more determined than ever to take the belt home for Poppy, who was 7lb 8oz.

"It was all like a dream really. I'm feeling really good now and I will be bringing that title back home for bairn," he added.