Conner Kelsall shocked the Belfast crowd by defeating local fighter Conor Quinn through a majority decision on Friday night at the SSE Arena.
Kelsall demonstrated exceptional distance management for all 12 rounds, strategically deciding when to attack and when to maintain distance. This tactic prevented Quinn from getting a solid footing and trapping him.
‘King’ Conner claimed the vacant Commonwealth flyweight title with scores of 116-112 and 115-113, in addition to a 114-114 draw card.
Kelsall’s record now stands at 12-0 (1), while Conor Quinn’s drops to 9-1-1 (6).
Dublin’s Pierce O’Leary dominated Australia-based Irishman Darragh Foley in the main support event. O’Leary successfully defended his WBC International super-lightweight title with a unanimous decision from the judges, scoring 98-91 (twice) and 99-90.
With a record of 15-0 (8 KOs), O’Leary sent Foley to the canvas in round two with a powerful right uppercut. Although Foley fought back, it wasn’t enough as he now stands at 22-6-1 (11 KOs).