Belfast’s Padraig McCrory got back to winning ways with a tough fought points victory over Leonard Carrillo in Belfast on Friday.
The 36-year-old beat the Colombian on a 98-91 scorecard in his first bout since being stopped by Edgar Berlanga in February.
Carrillo arrived with a record of 17-5, with 16 of his wins inside the distance, so his threat could not be underestimated and he brought that power into the Belfast ring.
This was no easy return assignment for McCrory as his opponent tested his resolve form the start, stinging the home favourite on a number of occasions in what was a wild first round.
Referee Hugh Russell Jnr was the first on the deck as his slip brought a roar of amusement from the crowd and soon it was cheers as Carrillo was on the canvas from a punishing McCrory left.
The 35-year-old from Barranquilla rose and turned the tables on McCrory as the Belfast man found himself in real trouble but managed to stay upright.
Carrillo seemed happy to wait for his opportunity to counter with one big shot until a late surge had the home fighter in a little difficulty at times in what was a tense finish that ultimately went the way of McCrory.
On the undercard, Ruadhan Farrell claimed the Irish super-bantamweight title after a unanimous decision win over Connor Kerr (98-92, 97-93, 100-91).
The cards don’t paint a true picture of the ten rounds that were competitive but Farrell – who won a March meeting between the pair for the BUI Celtic title – was getting the better of an entertaining battle and was a worthy winner nonetheless.
Also celebrating was Coleraine’s Matthew Boreland who passed his first real test in just his fourth professional fight as he took a points win over Scotland’s Calum Turnbull.
The main event saw Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr recover from a 10th round knockdown to beat former super-featherweight world champion Javier Fortuna on points
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