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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Belfast boxer Padraig McCrory crowned IBO Light-Heavyweight Champion of the World

Padraig McCrory dismantled home favourite Leon Bunn in Frankfurt to become new IBO world light-heavyweight champion.

After the fight, the Belfast star hailed an Irish invasion.

The Belfast fighter had Bunn down twice in the opening three rounds as he dominated his German opponent in the early stages.

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The finish would arrive midway through the sixth, a short right hook flooring Bunn for a third time in the fight, and referee Jorge Milke decided he had seen enough and waved the contest off.

It was an incredible performance from 'The Hammer' who once again showcased power in both hands to inflict a first defeat on highly-rated Bunn in his own backyard.

Despite being the away fighter, McCrory was cheered on by a raucous travelling support who created a wall of noise inside the Fabriksporthalle.

McCrory said: "It feels very special. Five years ago I would never thought this but now I am here as IBO world champion and it feels amazing.

"I know I am big and strong and I punch hard. But I can also box.

"I started with the jab, but I caught him early and I saw it shook him and I thought from there I would start walking him down and punching with him.

"And eventually it got off.

"I understand that this fight is a big fight, but it probably could have been stopped earlier for the boxer's health. But I knew I would get him out of there.

"This means so, so much. We have so many options now.

"And just look at this...the Irish have come!"

European super-featherweight champion Eric Donovan believes Bunn's corner should have pulled their man out earlier after he sustained a number of heavy blows after the two early knockdowns.

He told TG4: "McCrory has frightening power. His last four fights were against credible opponents and he knocked them all out.

"And now he has five knockout wins on the bounce and has a world title to show for it.

"I was really disappointed with Leon Bunn's corner. I know he is the hometown favourite, but how much is your health worth? He was really gone from the third round on.

"And when someone is gone so early in the fight, your fighter's health and safety should be paramount.

"McCrory is such a devastating puncher."

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