RHIANNON Dixon is bringing a world title home to Warrington - just as she promised.

In only her tenth professional fight, the Great Sankey fighter has been crowned the new WBO lightweight champion after outpointing Argentina's Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in Manchester.

Having won Commonwealth and European gold in her past two fights, the 28-year-old - trained by Manchester's former world champion Anthony Crolla - can now call herself a world champion after winning the belt left vacant by Irishwoman Katie Taylor.

A third-round knockdown proved pivotal in swinging a well-contested fight Dixon's way as she floored her opponent, whose only previous defeat came against Taylor in 2022, with a beautifully timed left hand.

Dixon was named as the unanimous winner by all three ringside judges, who scored the 10-round fight 98-91, 97-92 and 96-93 in her favour.

Warrington Guardian: Rhiannon Dixon celebrates with her team including trainer Anthony Crolla, left, after being crowned WBO world lightweight championRhiannon Dixon celebrates with her team including trainer Anthony Crolla, left, after being crowned WBO world lightweight champion (Image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Watch the moment Dixon was crowned below

After a cagey opening, it looked as though Carabajal was working her way into becoming the aggressor until she was tagged by an excellent left-hand counter from Dixon just past the midway point of the third round.

Warrington Guardian: Dixon stands over her floored opponent after sending Carabajal to the canvas in the third roundDixon stands over her floored opponent after sending Carabajal to the canvas in the third round (Image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Dixon sensed an opening and went for the finish, but the away fighter proved as durable as expected as she rode out the storm.

As the fight ticked past its halfway point, Dixon was in command but Carabajal was starting to have some success of her own despite being plagued by a cut above her right eye.

Dixon started to be caught with counters but managed to recompose herself to see out the victory. 

Warrington Guardian: Dixon finds the target with a body shotDixon finds the target with a body shot (Image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

'Warrington should be proud of her'

The night was a significant one for Crolla, who now becomes a world champion trainer having won the WBA lightweight title in the very same arena as a fighter eight years previous.

And he says he hopes Dixon's hometown is as proud of her achievements as he is.

"I’m super proud of Rhiannon and I think all of Warrington should be as well," he told DAZN after the fight.

"She’s a massive inspiration for anyone who’s got a dream to follow.

"She’s a very educated girl and was a pharmacist, but had the crazy dream of becoming a world champion boxer and she’s just achieved that tonight.

"For the hard work and dedication she’s put in, I’m super proud of her."

Warrington Guardian: Dixon and her trainer Anthony Crolla post-fightDixon and her trainer Anthony Crolla post-fight (Image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)