BICESTER’S Scott James secured a hard-earned points victory in the fifth fight of his professional career.

The super-welterweight, who tipped the scales at 11st, finished strongly to defeat the durable Kevin McCauley over four three-minute rounds in Coventry.

James started strongly and towards the end of the first round landed a decent hook and cross combination that brought the crowd to their feet.

But his 38-year-old Stourport opponent landed some heavy hooks in the second round.

After an even third round, both set a blistering pace at the start of the last.

James finished the round on top and looked confident of victory as the bell sounded.

After learning he had secured a 40-37 points victory, James said: “I am so pleased with this victory.

“I had a massive following and the pressure was really on.”

Bicester’s head coach Daza Usher added: “Scott is a model professional and is improving all the time.”

James will be back in action in September.