BASINGSTOKE professional boxer Darryl Still got his career back on a track with an impressive win over Gareth Piper at the Guildhall, Winchester, last Saturday.

Piper, from Cardiff, has a mixed record having turned professional last year, but had beaten British Masters champion Tony Pace.

Still was taking nothing for granted and said: “I was warned before hand he definitely comes to win and will give everyone a hard fight as he did in his last outing over top 20 ranked Jonny Garton of Peckham.

“So I started cautiously as he had apparent height and reach over me – and the ref marked a level first round.”

After instructions from legendary trainer Frank Hopkins in the first round break, Still began to dominate as Piper, the nephew of former World Champion Nicky Piper, started to miss, while the Basingstoke boxer then countered well to head and body.

Piper landed a big right hand at the end of the second round and Still tasted his stiff jab, but at that point the Basingstoke fighter knew he could not be hurt.

In the third and fourth rounds Still pressed, landing clean hits by slipping his jab and throwing clusters of threes and fours to pick up the points.

That proved to be enough as the 32-year-old, who trains in Southampton under the watchful eye of Wayne Batten, won the contest 40-36 on points and now cannot wait to get back in the ring and fight again.

Still said: “I need longer fights than four rounders as I get going late but I’m glad to shake off the rust since November and take my tally to 11 wins and five losses.

“I want to stay active now and challenge for a title later this year.”

Still added: “I would like to say a big thank you to Niki McPhail for getting me in great shape both mentally and physically.”