WALTER Gahadza was pleased with the result but not the performance after he was forced to dig deep to defend his Ultimate Warrior Challenge title with a win against Shaun Lomas.

Gahadza’s original opponent, Alessandro Botti, had been injured two days before.

The 26-year-old former Belfairs School pupil edged past Lomas to keep hold of his belt for the third time. But Gahadza felt he was not at his best.

“I had been injured for nine or 10 months and this was my first fight back so I think there was a bit of ring rust there for me,” he said. “I made a few mistakes and, looking back, there were things I should have capitalised on.

“I was giving away a few kilos in weight but I found a way to win.”

Gahadza, who was keen to thank his mentor Dan Burzotta plus his family and friends for their support, will now be back in action in August when he finally gets to face Ryan Scope.

The bout between the two unbeaten fighters has twice been postponed because of injuries. But it is now expected to go ahead, in Newcastle, on August 23.

“This is a hugely anticipated fight and one that everyone wants to see so I’m working towards that now,” said Gahadza.

“The first time we were supposed to fight he got injured, then the second time I did! So hopefully this will be third time lucky.

“One of our unbeaten records will obviously go but it’s not going to be mine.