Mccrory takes huge pride in stunning first-round knockout victory
PADRAIG Mccrory scored a devastating first-round knockout victory over Mickey Ellison in Yorkshire last night to deliver a warning to his domestic super-middleweight rivals.
‘The Hammer’ required just 70 seconds to improve to 11-0 in a fight that, on paper, appeared to be a major step up.
However, the 32-year-old once again highlighted his phenomenal punching power to consign Ellison to a third career defeat in 15 contests and, in the process, put his hand up for a title shot in the near future.
“I feel a bit bad for Mickey as he is a good guy and he came here to win, but it was good to get it done early,” said the Belfast man after roaring to his speedy triumph.
“This was my first camp with Dee (Walsh) and Dan Anderson and I feel like I’m getting much fitter and stronger, and I think that showed tonight.”
Mccrory landed a hard, counter right early and immediately it seemed that Ellison was having difficulty with the power of the Belfast man.
Mccrory timed another left to perfection, which caught Ellison on the way in, and the tone was set.
The Belfast man wasn’t exactly gung-ho, as he did set up his power shots with a stiff jab downstairs to force his opponent’s hands to drop just enough to create the openings, and another long right had the Blackburn man on unsteady legs.
Sensing blood, Mccrory went for the finish, sending a long, hard right through the guard that had Ellison down and in no position to continue, with referee Mark Lyson waving the fight over.
This was his first fight working under the guidance of Walsh and Anderson, so there were similarities in approach to his stablemate Lewis Crocker, who won his first title in the same ring last week, with Mccrory joking he now has the bragging rights in the gym having finished his argument quicker.
But his ambitions are much bi gger a nd, based on t hi s eye-catching display, it should propel Mccrory onto bigger things.
Even in this briefest of outings, he produced some intelligent boxing along with smart pressure and his trademark power.
“I have all belief in Jamie Conlan (manager) and the team,” he insisted.
“Boxing is all about timing so I know I will get the right fight at the right time.”