TYRONE McCullagh outclassed Josh Kennedy to win the WBO European super bantamweight title at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast.
The Danger at the Docks main event saw McCullagh improve his record to 12(6)-0 while the outclassed Kennedy drops to 11(5)-1(0)
McCullagh’s footwork and punch-picking came to the fore throughout the contest, the Derry man proving superior in the opening rounds.
By the fourth round, the fight was like an exhibition show, McCullagh pulling off some bold showboating before hammering Kennedy’s head back with a strong left hand.
In the second half of the fight, Kennedy, who had a cut under the eye by the fifth, showed heart as he enjoyed some success in the ninth round.
However, the fight was left in no doubt following a barrage of body shots in the final minute by McCullagh – dominance personified by Derry’s newest champion.
In the end, the Maiden City bantamweight ran out with a points decision, winning with scores of 99-91, 99-92, and an unjust 96-94.
The Irishman should now be added to the organisation’s Top 15 in next month’s update.
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