The 27-year-old Briton secured a convincing 116-112, 119-109, 117-111 over his rival at the Coventry Skydome Arena. It was nevertheless an exacting fight for Eggington after Molina again refused to roll over - he has not been stopped over a career of 50 fights.

Winning the belt means he is now a top-10 ranked fighter with the WBC, with Jermall Charlo the division’s current premier champion. Given Charlo has rarely taken on an outstanding candidate to challenge him, he may now entertain a fight against the new belt holder.

Eggington produced a solid if not overwhelmingly dangerous performance, and afterwards acknowledged his opponent’s resistance.

British Boxing News reported Eggington as saying: “I can see why the likes of Chavez, Jr., Mike Alvarado and James Kirkland couldn’t stop him and had trouble against him. 

"I knew Mexicans were tough, but that was a good solid test for me. He was experienced and knew how to shrug things off. 

“The win really puts me up there in the WBC rankings. I know I’m getting very close to a world title shot now, I’m happy to box at middleweight or super-welter [with Jermell Charlo, Jermall’s brother, the current WBC champion], wherever and whenever the best opportunities present themselves.”