Chris Matthews passed up the chance to land the first stoppage of his career at Maidstone Leisure Centre on Saturday night – with good reason.

The Maidstone lightweight dominated journeyman opponent Joe Beeden at the Judgement Day show but was more interested in completing six rounds for the first time.

It was the right thing to do as Matthews showed his skills as a boxer, winning every round and extending his perfect record to eight fights.

Matthews, 22, said: “There were a few times I could have stopped him but I didn’t want to – it was my first six-rounder and I wanted to see if I could do the six.

“I did it comfortably and actually found it easier than four because I could pace myself better and step it up each round. It was the best I’ve boxed so far – I didn’t have a mark on me.”

Matthews enjoyed a tear-up in his unlicensed days but is building a reputation as a boxer rather than a brawler in the professional ranks.

He said: “I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and picking my punches. I can do both sides but I prefer boxing so I don’t get hurt."

His win went down well with promoter Joe Elfidh, who will soon be lining up a title fight.

Matthews said: “Joe was pleased with my performance. He said I looked like a professional boxer, which is good to hear. We’re looking at one more six-rounder and then a title fight.”

The show was Elfidh’s fifth in Maidstone and arguably the best yet as 1,200 fans turned out.

The headline fight saw unbeaten super middleweight Charlie Shane move up to 5-0 by defeating 59-fight veteran Lewis van Poetsch (6-52-1). The 26-year-old from Chatham claimed the British Challenge belt with the points win.

Sheppey heavyweight Dave Jones (8-0-1) drew with Dorian Darch (12-5-1), a man who shared the ring with Hughie Fury and Anthony Joshua in back-to-back fights.

Chatham's Southern Area middleweight title holder, Grant Dennis (10-0), beat Central Area champion Darryl Sharp (5-21) on points, while former Team GB boxer Luke Gibb (3-0) stepped up to six rounds in his third pro bout against Fonz Alexander (5-64).

Gibb, who has a big following in Maidstone through working in the county town, won comfortably on points.

Two-time Southern Area challenger Martin Hillman (10-4), from Sidcup, secured his 10th professional win in his 14th pro contest, beating Michael Barnor.