TOPPERMOST of the boppermost - that's York's Thai boxer supreme Richard Cadden.

The York ace was confirmed as number one in his weight division in the United Kingdom after a gruelling five-round conquest over previous top-ranked fighter Preston's Matthew Johnson.

Now the 27-year-old is waiting to discover whether his latest success has also elevated him up the world rankings.

Cadden had to summon all his reserves of courage and skill to finally prevail over Johnson at Leeds Town Hall.

After an even first round Cadden countered to win both the second and third rounds, though there was no quarter given by either rival. Cadden revealed he was almost put down to the canvas in the fourth by a kick to the midriff, but again he rallied to come good again in the final fifth round and eventually land the points verdict.

Said the man who fights out of the Bad Company gymnasium in Leeds and has now risen from number three in the UK to prime position: "It was a real war out there, but the victory has put me up to number one in the UK and that's left me over the moon."

There won't be too much rest for the fighter, who is backed by Jarvis Rail, York Suzuki Centre, Pauline's Hairdressers and the Busy Bee Nail and Beauty firms. He will be back in action in Manchester in just four weeks when he will again take on Steve Donnelly, who pleaded for a re-match after Cadden triumphed in their first meeting last July.

Updated: 10:04 Saturday, October 11, 2003