JOE FITZPATRICK settled his grudge match with Falls Road rival Stephen Webb in emphatic fashion at the Devenish.
Fitzpatrick swept the first session of this all-southpaw affair as Webb suffered a damaged nose. “The Dragon” detonated a left hand that knocked Webb into the ropes and out. Referee Hugh Russell Jnr waved it off at 1-47 of the second (scheduled for six) as Webb lay stricken on the canvas.
“I feel that I’m the best lightweight in Ireland,” said Fitzpatrick.
Ciaran McVarnock made light of Alec Bazza’s size advantages to post a 40-38 win. The Belfast duo battled hard, but McVarnock’s straight shots were more accurate. Paul McCullagh refereed.
Aaron Gethins posted a 40-36 win over Blackburn’s Naheem Chaudhry, under Eamonn Magill’s watchful eye. Gethins sold plenty of tickets, and promoter Leonard Gunning wants to run a homecoming show early next year.
Speaking of ticket-sellers, Newington’s Owen O’Neill had hundreds roaring him on for a 39-37 debut victory on Mr Russell Jr’s card. Latvia’s Kristaps Zulgis played his part, particularly with a snappy left hook.
Craigavon mover Jamie Douglas was too sharp for lacklustre Sheffield southpaw Kieran Holman. Holman was distraught when Eamonn Magill jumped in at 2-33 of the third round (set for four), but he had offered nothing.
Dominic Donegan enjoyed a debut win over Liam Griffiths. “Pretty Boy” Griffiths fights ugly; spoiling his way to defeats. Donegan dropped the away man in round three, on the way to a 40-35 victory.
Larne’s Kelvin McDonald was always one step ahead of Kent survivor Ricky Leach. Referee Paul McCullagh awarded McDonald a 40-36 shutout.
Julio Cesar opened the show with a win over Bangor’s Casey Blair. Eamonn Magill refereed as ringside scorer Paul McCullagh totalled 40-36 in favour of the Belfast-based Angolan.
The Verdict Fitzpatrick can move up to title level with this win under his belt.
