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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Padraig McCrory sets out stall after dismantling Celso Neves

Padraig McCrory says he wants to push on with some "big fights" after dismantling Celso Neves at the Ulster Hall.

McCrory once again demonstrated his power by stopping Neves inside two rounds to successfully defend his WBC International Silver super-middleweight title in front of a raucous Belfast crowd.

He floored the Portuguese fighter with a counter left hook, and after Neves made the count McCrory landed another two heavy blows to send his opponent to the canvas before referee Ian John Lewis waved the contest off.

It is McCrory's seventh stoppage victory and extends his unbeaten record to 13 fights

Asked what he wants next, McCrory told iFLTV: "Whatever Jamie Conlan and MTK want. I want big fights.

"I am 33 and I won't be about for much longer."

McCrory admitted Neves surprised him in the first round, the visiting fighter catching the home favourite with some big shots during the opening three minutes.

"I think Neves came and fought a way I have never seen him fight before," McCrory said.

"He is usually a slick counter puncher. He stuck it on me and I found it challenging, but the instructions were to get my hands up and start to throw with him - and it worked.

"My corner told me I was probably down the first round, and thanks to Dee (Walsh) we changed tactics and it worked. I have power to put anyone out.

"This crowd drove me on to get the stoppage. I wanted to put a show on. They got a good first round and then they got a good knockout.

"Who wouldn't enjoy this experience? I fought at the Feile 10-11 weeks ago, but the Ulster Hall is a cauldron and it is so enjoyable to fight here."

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