The 23-year-old Thai boxer, whose fighting name is ‘Jean Claude Van Tam McCourt’ made it three wins out of three this year, with a points victory over Greenock’s Mondo Woodcock.

McCourt of Clydebank fight club, Glasgow Thai Boxing Academy, now replaces Woodcock at number three in the UK rankings, a step closer to the number one spot the he has targeted.

The first round was a close affair and hard to call. It would turn into a clinch-fest, with McCourt scoring with knees and Woodcock with elbows.

McCourt won the second round by keeping his opponent at reach where he could score the bigger shots.

Again it would go into the clinch with Woodock elbowing more often than McCourt’s knees.

In the third round McCourt won, with his opponent being put to the canvas with throws and straight kicks — as well as forcing him back with the hands.

The fourth round belonged to the Greenock man but it wasn’t enough as McCourt took the fifth and final round to win the vacant WBC title. He is the first Scottish featherweight to win the title.

McCourt said: “ I’m absolutely delighted to be the new WBC champion. I’m so overwhelmed with the support I have received before and after the fight. It’s been incredible. I’m forever grateful for their kind words and for showing their support and cheering me on. They’re the best fans I could ask for.”