Gunnar Jackson is a step closer to his dream of fighting for a world title.
The 28-year-old Tauranga middleweight took his professional record to 21 wins (eight knockouts), five losses and three draws after he finished strongly to beat former Australian champion Nathan Carroll at AMI Stadium on Auckland's North Shore on Saturday night.
Jackson won a majority 2-1 verdict from the three judges to retain his WBO Oriental title and once the official world body has adjusted the rankings he is likely to move from 15th to 12th in the world.
A serious pay day in the United States may not be too far away and the victory over Carroll was the next step along that journey.
Saturday night's bout went the full 10 rounds with Jackson's superior fitness and superb defence making the ultimate difference.