A Bridgeport man says he is dedicating the national boxing title he won this week to his slain younger brother.

Oscar Bonilla snagged the Universal Boxing Federation belt in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The 33-year-old professional boxer is the older brother of 20-year-old Kevan Bonilla, who was also a boxer. He was fatally shot in Fair Haven two years ago.

Bonilla said he always dreamed of winning the UBF title, but never thought it would actually happen.

"It's like a dream come true -- I became champion. I mean, I worked hard for this, I earned this. It wasn't given to me," Bonilla says.

"I'm so proud of Oscar, I'm so proud of the Bonilla brothers, family, because every time Oscar steps in that ring, he steps in that ring with his brother,” said Tony Barr, of Bridgeport.

Bonilla says he is proud to be a role model to other young boxers in Bridgeport. He urges them to stay in school and off the streets.