Van de Boss, 24, overpowered Gadzhiev in the final two rounds to win a split points decision.

The win extends Van de Boss's winning record to 25-18 with 13 KO's and he will now fight China's Zhang Qung Jun the "tiger of Jian Xu" to unify the title.

The Russian challenger controlled the contest for the first three rounds but was overpowered and almost knocked out in the final fifth round by the Dutchman.

"I knew I had to finish strongly and gave everything I had. I wanted to return to The Netherlands as the champion and my mission in Thailand has been accomplished," Van de Boss said after the win, which he described "as the biggest fight of my life".

"The partisan crowd of Dutch expats kept me going, especially in the final round which I had to win. Another 30 seconds and I might well have won by KO."

Van de Boss was troubled by a head cut in the first round. Gadzhiev, 22, had strong elbow weapons and this forced Van de Boss on to the defence for the first two rounds.

Although the cut wasn't serious it gave the Russian a flying start. But the Dutch champion was not to be denied and his last round attacks swayed the verdict in his favour.

A disappointed Gadzhiev said he had learnt from the defeat. "I rarely have to go the full distance and there won't be any fade out in future contests."

Patrick Cusick

The Nation