Rhys on the rise
NEW BAMMA World Lightweight champion Rhys Mckee is eyeing up a title defence in Belfast or Dublin after making a huge statement of intent on Friday night.
The 28-year-old scored a stunning first round stoppage of Tim Barnett – one year on from losing to the same opponent.
That was Mckee’s first career loss and came after the Ballymena man was under par after struggling with an illness in the build-up.
But on Friday Mckee became the first person to defeat Barnett in the professional ranks.
“I’m feeling great, a successful night here in the SEE Arena,” he said.
“I’m 22 and in my fighting prime, I feel amazing. I said this would happen and it did.
“I’ve got a good team. They said be relaxed, be assertive and I was. I’d like to fight in Dublin or Belfast next, to defend.”