Elliott Matthews prepared for his forthcoming English-title eliminator with a comfortable points victory over Ruslan Pojonisevs.

Southern Area champion Matthews won 78-75 although many inside the Camden Centre in Kings Cross on Friday night believed the Watford boxer deserved all eight rounds.

Pojonisevs (15-32-1) was tough but smaller than Matthews and the local man jabbed his way to victory to extend his professional record to 11 wins and one draw.

The show's promoter Mickey Helliet said Matthews was "very composed" and "used his advantages well".

The British Boxing Board of Control put Matthews' English title eliminator with Damon Jones (12-0) to purse bids last month. Promoters have until midday on Wednesday, June 11 to submit, with the fight expected to take place before the end of September, although Matthews' manager Helliet says the Watford man does have a few other options as well.