Boxing News: Brown Stops Hedges, Wins British & Commonwealth Cruiser Titles » September 19, 2026

By Boxing Bob Newman

Manchester’s hometown hero, Pat Brown, made his fans proud as he stopped previously undefeated John Hedges To add the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles to his mantle.

Hedges started out well, counter-punching from a southpaw stance and keeping Brown honest. For his part, Brown was looking too much for one big shot, often neglecting his jab. His frustrations led to him using unsavory tactics such as using his head and trying to bend Hedges backwards over the ropes which drew strong warnings from referee Reece Carter.

Brown started to close the gap in round four, getting in under Hedges’ jab and working both the head and body. Finally, in the sixth, Brown hit pay dirt- landing two crushing left handed body blows, each dropping Hedges in a heap. Hedges beat the count on the first one, but apparently couldn’t after the second one, barely getting to all fours as referee Carter reached the count of 10 at 2:36 of the sixth round. Brown is now the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight champion as he improves to 7-0, 7 KOs. Hedges loses his first, falling to 12-1, 3 KOs.