Sam Noakes has double cause for celebration - his first professional title and a new contract with promoter Frank Warren.

Maidstone boxer Noakes stopped Shaun Cooper in the ninth round of their WBC International Silver lightweight contest in London on Saturday night.

Victory maintained his 100 per cent stoppage record and saw him land a title in just his eighth pro bout.

“It’s mad to have a title so early,” said Noakes, 24. “I never thought I’d get an opportunity that soon but I’m very glad I did.

“I could have done an eight-rounder but my manager said the way I’d dealt with my previous opponents, we’ll get you a WBC Silver and put you in over 10 rounds.

“He thought I was ready and I proved that.

“Before the weekend the most rounds I’d done was five but I took my time and handled it well.

“You’ve got to make the championship weight and you’re learning new stuff about your body.

“Obviously the training and that is sweet and you do all your rounds but it’s different on the night, you’re learning how your body reacts.

“It was a good learning fight for me - the first of the big nights and I dealt with it well.”

It’s little wonder promoter Warren has rewarded Noakes with a new contract.

He’s made a superb start to his pro career and the potential is clear for all to see.

“I’ve just signed a new three-year deal with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions,” said Noakes. “I’m really happy with that.

“I’ve got a good relationship with my manager, Francis, we all get on well and they’re over the moon with how I’ve performed.

“It couldn’t have gone any better, really, so I think it was an easy decision to give me the new contract.”

Noakes declared himself the strongest lightweight in the country after his victory over Cooper.

The former Valley Park pupil and Westree amateur stands by that claim. “Strength-wise, I am the strongest in the country,” he said.

“I’ve still got a lot of work to do on my technique and my skillset but, in terms of strength, I don’t think there’s a comparison and I feel like you’ll see that over the next few fights. My strength is my strength.

“Even when I’ve sparred heavier boys, they say I can’t believe you’re a lightweight. I’ve had that my whole career, even as an amateur.”

Noakes anticipates a couple of defences of his WBC belt.

He’s been tipped to fight for a British title but is happy to take his time.

“There might be a British title fight at the end of next year or the beginning of 2023, I don’t know, but I don’t think they’re planning to rush me,” said Noakes.

“I’m not one to rush, I’m enjoying the journey and I’m still maturing as a fighter.

“I’m not the best Sam Noakes I can be yet. People always want to rush but if you do that and come unstuck, you go to the back of the queue. It’s an unforgiving sport.

“If you’re going into a British title fight, you’ve got to be ready. You want to be the best you can be.”