Pat Brown stops John Hedges to win British and Commonwealth titles

Pat Brown stopped John Hedges in the sixth round to win the vacant British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on 19 September 2026 (BBC).

The fight was scheduled for 12 rounds with both belts vacant (Bad Left Hook). For context, cruiserweight is the division capped at 200lb, the British title is fought for under the historic Lonsdale Belt, and the Commonwealth title is contested by boxers from Commonwealth nations.

Brown finished it with body punching. He dropped Hedges twice in the sixth round with left hooks to the body and the fight was stopped. Hedges had no answer to the second attack downstairs.

Seven fights. Seven knockouts. The 26-year-old Brown extended his perfect professional record to 7-0, with every win coming inside the distance. Hedges, who entered unbeaten, lost for the first time in his 13-fight professional career.

The night almost looked very different. The bout was originally planned for Altrincham but was moved to the much larger Co-op Live after ticket demand grew. The show was broadcast live on DAZN.

Brown was challenging for his first major professional title. He took it in style against an opponent who had never lost. Hedges tried to box and move early, but Brown's pressure told as the rounds wore on and the body shots added up.

The wider picture at cruiserweight now includes Viddal Riley, who holds the European title after beating Mateusz Masternak by unanimous points decision in April. A unanimous decision means all three judges scored the fight the same way, for the same boxer.

On the undercard in Manchester, Mark Jeffers defeated Kieron Conway by unanimous decision (Yahoo Sports).

What makes this stand out is the manner of it. Body-punch finishes are patient work, not lucky punches. For fans, this means Brown arrives as a domestic champion with real momentum and a 100% knockout record to defend.