McKenna back to winning ways after hard battle

TYRONE McKenna edged home at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow last night as the Belfast light-welterweight took a 96-95 points win over Lewis Benson over 10 rounds.

This was the first fight back for both men since losing their respective unbeaten records back in June, but it was ‘The Mighty Celt’ who made up for his disappointment against Jack Catterall with his aggression clearly catching the eye of referee Michael Alexander.

McKenna swaggered to the centre of the ring from the opening bell, popping out a couple of right jabs, but then seemed to be looking for lead right hooks as Benson settled and adopted a more orthodox approach in terms of stance and style.

Benson was working off the jab well and adopted some fine footwork to get in and out of range against McKenna who had a better start to the second, landing some decent shots, yet there was a sense he was looking for a finish before he did the groundwork.

McKenna showed a lot more patience in the third, picking two beautiful lefts as Benson boxed off the back foot and popped his jab, yet it appeared the Belfast man was warming to the task.

A one-two at the start of four from Benson suggested he would drive on, but a solid body shot followed by a chopping left on the ropes saw Benson look to hold for the first time.

Benson opened the sixth with an eye-catching right and was doing the better work, landing with some solid shots that, for once, made McKenna think twice about marching forward as swelling appeared on his face.

‘Kid Caramel’ was in his groove in the seventh as he dic- tated the pace and found his shots. While McKenna enjoyed success with a brief flurry in the middle of the round, he was beginning to look out of ideas against the energetic approach of his rival.

McKenna had a glimmer of glory in the eighth when a left and right seemed to wobble Benson, but his moments were fleeting.

Blood was now coming from McKenna’s right eye that seemed to be closing in the ninth and while Benson appeared to finish the fight stronger, the Belfast man’s aggression saw him home by the slimmest of margins. Close call: Tyrone McKenna won on a narrow points decision in Glasgow last night