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Stephen McKenna Triumphs Over Joe Laws in Thrilling Match
In an electrifying encounter at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, Stephen McKenna emerged victorious against Joe Laws, halting him after a brutal three-round battle on the undercard of the Zak Chelli vs. Callum Simpson event.
Prior to their bout, McKenna had confidently asserted that he would knock Laws out in the first round, a prediction that appeared to hold weight given his imposing presence at the weigh-in. Although Laws was seen as the significant underdog, the anticipation in the arena hinted at a competitive clash.
As the fight commenced, Laws entered the ring with vigor, sprinting to the center of the Oakwell Stadium and launching a powerful overhand right at McKenna as the bell rang.
Both fighters traded haymakers in a frenetic first round. Early on, McKenna managed to knock Laws down, leading many to believe his pre-fight assertion was on the verge of coming true. Despite the setback, Laws demonstrated resilience, rising and enduring intense pressure from McKenna, who relentlessly attacked with a barrage of punches.
However, Laws responded with a remarkable left hook that sent McKenna crashing to the canvas, showcasing his fighting spirit in a round filled with back-and-forth action.
The second round mirrored its predecessor in intensity, with Laws retaliating whenever possible but McKenna maintaining constant pressure. By the third round, Laws attempted to inflict damage with a right hook aimed at McKenna’s body, but the Irishman displayed his determination, landing powerful punches that cornered Laws and forced him against the ropes.
Desperate to regain composure, Laws spat out his mouthpiece, just to buy a moment of respite, but he struggled to regain footing in the fight. Another hard right from McKenna sent him to the canvas again, and after a third knockdown in the round, Laws’ corner made the decision to throw in the towel, bringing the match to an abrupt end.
Impressive Performances Under The Undercard
In a separate bout, Connor Coyle impressively maintained his unbeaten record against Kyle Lomotey, winning their eight-round fight by a score of 77-75. Coyle systematically applied pressure, landing precise shots, including a notable left hook that took effect as the match progressed.
Coyle, who boasts a record of 21 wins with 9 knockouts, currently holds a respectable No. 2 ranking with the WBA, positioning him for future matches against titleholders or eliminators.
Mario Silva made headlines by halting the experienced Dale Arrowsmith, marking him as only the eighth fighter to stop the seasoned competitor. Silva delivered a rapid and decisive left hook that led to Arrowsmith dropping to one knee, prompting the referee to halt the match when Arrowsmith’s corner threw in the towel.
After suffering a setback in a previous fight, Khalid Graidia made a comeback against Billy Deniz. After recovering from a body shot knockdown in the second round, Graidia retaliated strongly, ultimately dominating their exchanges and securing a 59-54 victory over six rounds.
Meanwhile, Joel Kodua, a former railway engineer, showcased his boxing prowess by decisively outpointing John Henry Mosquera in a one-sided six-round bout, controlling the fight with effective jabs and right hands for a clear 60-54 victory.
Source
www.skysports.com