‘The Shark’ is now European champ after super victory

DUNDEE super-featherweight boxer Ronnie ‘The Shark’ Clark is the new IBF European champion.

Ronnie, who now boxes out of Belfast, secured a points win over highly-touted Manchester boxer Zelfa Barrett over 12 rounds at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.

Ronnie had Barrett down in the sixth round after a superb left j ab right uppercut combination and the Englishman was twice warned for low blows.

The Dundee boxer also hit Barrett so hard late on in the contest that the Englishman’s gumshield flew out of his mouth.

Although one judge had the contest level at 114-114, two others gave Ronnie the verdict by 116-111.

Former WBO super-feather champion Barry Jones also had Ronnie as the winner, judging the Duneee man had edged the contest by one round. “I gave him the last three rounds,” said Barry who had him trailing up to then.

A jubilant Ronnie said: “I’ve gone through a bad time but I thank God I have had time to rest and gather my thoughts.

“Prior to taking up boxing I was a world kickboxing champion.

“I’ve been a professional boxer for seven years, I’m 33, but I’m fresh, I work hard and I will fight anyone anywhere.

“Barrett hit me with shots but it didn’t faze me. He’s young and will come again.”

Ronnie has taken his record to 21 wins, two draws and four losses.

His manager, Mark Dunlop, commented: “Ronnie was ferocious in battle and very magnanimous in victory. Dundee can be proud of him.”

Ronnie warmed up for the contest with a points win over Dean Evans on February 3 in Belfast’s Europa Hotel.

Meanwhile, another Dundee professional boxer, bantamweight Jamie Wilson, is itching to get back in the ring.

Jamie has a 10 wins two losses record but has not boxed since July 1 last year when he lost to Josh Wale in Doncaster for the British title.

His promoter Iain Wilson said: “Jamie is getting over an injury but is hoping to be back in action soon.

“He’s bursting to get fighting again but it’s a case of letting the injury heal and we’ll take it from there.”