BLACKWOOD fighter Craig Evans is pretty much the epitome of the saying that if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.

The southpaw made three unsuccessful attempts at landing his first major boxing title before finally becoming the new WBO European lightweight champion on Saturday night.

Evans, 27, delivered a stunning performance as he dethroned Thomas Stalker via a majority decision (95-95, 96-94, 98-92) at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

The showdown in the Welsh capital was the third in an epic trilogy between the duo – the previous two fights in Manchester late last year, when the belt was vacant, both ended in draws.

Liverpudlian Stalker, 32, claimed the crown this summer against Portugal’s Antonio Joao Bento, but ultimately failed to hold on to the strap at the first time of asking.

Incredibly, one judge scored the bout a draw, although in truth there was no doubting the winner, as the Welshman claimed the 16th, and undoubtedly the sweetest, win of his pro career.

Evans, whose first title fight against Scott Cardle for the vacant British belt last May had ended in defeat, was understandably ecstatic after the final bell.

“I’m so proud to be the new champion and winning this belt makes me quite emotional,” he said. “I knew when the final bell went it was mine and the feeling is unbelievable.

“The game plan went perfectly, I thought I out-boxed him, and I thought I executed everything well.

“The first fight, I thought he won, the second fight, I won by at least two rounds, but this time I thought I won by at least six.

“I don’t know how the one judge had it as a draw, but I won, and it’s the best feeling ever.”

Evans also wanted to pay tribute to those who have played such a big part in his success.

“I want to thank everyone at St Joseph’s, especially my trainer Tony Borg, he has pushed me in the gym from the start and it’s all down to him,” he added.

“My family have been pushing me from day one, helping me out and taking me to the gym when I was younger and didn’t have a car – it’s all for them.

“My missus gave birth to our baby daughter eight months ago and this is going to help bring her into the world better, by me earning and winning these big fights.”

When asked what lies in store for him, he continued: “Winning this title has put me in the top 15 in the world, so hopefully now I can push on to bigger and better things.

“I’ll see what my promoter Frank Warren has got next for me and we’ll take it from there.

“I could be the mandatory challenger for a world title and I’d obviously take that with both hands.”

Also on the Frank Warren-promoted show, Gary Lockett-trained Liam Williams claimed the vacant WBO European super-welterweight crown, stopping Hungary’s Gabor Gorbics in the eighth round.