Two of the judges scored the bout 120-108 and one 119-109 in favour of the Nottingham based boxer in the contest held at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Despite boxing with a partially closed eye until the fifth round, after a clash of heads in the first, the Nottingham boxer continued to win the rounds landing more punches than the Thetford fighter.

Although not winning rounds Dean was determined not to let the champion have it all his on way often making him uncomfortable with a range of good shots.

The turning point came in the ninth when Dean emerged from a clinch with Booth with blood streaming from his left eyebrow.

Taking advantage of the 31 year old's cut eye Booth started to exert more pressure on Dean in 10th, but to his credit Dean did not give in as he threw a flurry of shots back at his opponent.

In one last attempt Dean pinned the champion against the ropes in the final round but Booth escaped from his clutches to retain his crown.

Afterwards Dean said: " He was definitely to clever. He was to good in every department. His movement especially was to much for me."

"He is a real class fighter and the best I've boxed by a long way."