Floyd Masson's stocks have soared after the Brisbane-based battler won a bloody fight-of-the-year contender to claim the IBO cruiserweight world title.
New Zealand-born Masson (13-0) beat Italian Fabio Turchi (21-3) via a unanimous points decision at his rowdy Eaton's Hill Hotel home arena on Saturday night.
Victory did not come easy, both boxers battered and the referee covered in blood when Masson's arm was raised after 12 torrid rounds that pundits expect to feature heavily in fight-of-the-year discussions.
Masson won with heavily pregnant wife Hannah, who is expecting twin girls later this month, watching in the crowd.
The IBO is not regarded as one of "the big four" organisations and its world titles are not universally recognised as such.
But his shock chance, coming after a year out of the ring, was still a career-defining moment that will fire Masson further up the IBF rankings, where Gold Coast-based Jai Opetaia is the champion.
"I can't describe it, it's a dream come true," he said.
Masson thanked his wife, who had supported both of them when he quit his day job to pursue a professional career.
"I'm just excited for the twins to come along now," he said.
Opetaia, who also owns The Ring world champion status, was on hand to watch Masson claim the title.
Injury and administrative red tape have delayed Opetaia's first defence, but Masson showed he would be a worthy rival in a brutal showing that sets up the tantalising prospect of an all-Australian title fight.
