COLIN Kenna made it nine unbeaten at Southampton Guildhall last night - and immediately spoke of his plans to climb into the top ten of the British heavyweight rankings.

The Lordshill boxer was a comfortable points winner against Featherstone's Paul Bonson, yet admitted he struggled to produce his best against an awkward opponent.

He said: "I found it hard to track him down. He kept his distance and was seldom in punching range.

"But I'm hoping to get a fight against Mark Krence next, who is one of the top heavyweights around.

"You learn from every fight and in this one I learnt about being more patient.

"One thing I was pleased with was my fitness - I really felt like I could've gone another four rounds, no problem."

Kenna, currently rated in the top 20 domestically, had been due to fight Mal Rice but was forced into a late change of plans after the Welshman pulled out with a hand injury.

Amazingly 31-year-old Bon-son had only been stopped once in an 86-bout career, fought mainly at light-heavy and cruiserweight. And, despite conceding more than 20 pounds in weight last night, he again looked like a man who could happily spar all day with a herd of buffalo.

In the opening round, Kenna took control of the centre of the ring and looked to work behind his jab.

But Bonson effectively darted from way out of range to up close as the 27-year-old crowd favourite struggled to connect with clean punches.

The Yorkshireman occasionally looked dangerous with a big overhand right but, roared on by a passion-ate Guildhall crowd, Kenna gradually began to connect with jabs and jolting upper-cuts.

The pattern of the fight rarely changed with Kenna in command, but struggling to consistently land clean blows as Bonson covered up at range and held on in close.

Sensibly Kenna kept his chin tucked away and there could be little doubt about the final points decision.

At the final bell, he dedicated the win to the memory of Frank Bailey - the grand-father of his wife Sam after he passed away this week.

It now promises to be a packed week for Dublin-born Kenna - his wife is due to give birth on Friday before he travels to Cardiff on Saturday to watch his beloved Saints in the FA Cup final against Arsenal.

Manager Jack Bishop, who celebrates his 80th birthday this week, added: "We knew Bonson would be awkward and it was another good learning fight for Colin."