Maxwell had struggled to pin down the elusive Ennis-Brown in the early rounds, but the fight deteriorated into an ugly clash at close quarters, and the Liverpudlian received a unanimous decision with scores of 116-113, 115-114 and 116-113.

© PA Sam Maxwell is the new British and Commonwealth super-lightweight champion

"I feel like I'm dreaming," Maxwell told BT Sport.

"I haven't fought in front of a crowd for about two years and I have dreamt of this since I was a kid. Toggle editor

© PA Anthony Yarde returned with a swift stoppage win

"I felt the judges were scoring my cleaner shots.

"He's a good competitor, but it would be the same again. I just feel I have the beating of him."

On the undercard, Anthony Yarde stopped Alex Theran in the opening round to put his career back on track following a points loss to Lyndon Arthur in December.

Yarde quickly dropped Theran with a left hook to the ribs and the Colombian was soon counted out after he wilted to the canvas following another hurtful body shot.