The first professional boxing event to be held in Waterford since 1948 proved to be a massive success last night at the WIT Arena. An enthusiastic attendance of 1,500 were treated to eight action packed bouts.
Keane McMahon and JohnJoyce both from Dublin won their contests on points. Graham McCormack- O'Shea from Limerick thrilled his supporters by defeating the Hungarian Jozsef Takas over four rounds.
Top class Dubliner Eric Donovan who is coached by Kenny Egan stopped Ignac Kassai early in round two and Mike 'The Rebel' Perez knocked out his opponent Pablo Matias with a fierce right hook inside 30 seconds.
The three Waterford professional fighters brought the crowd to their feet with brilliant performances.
Rohan Date required only 26 seconds to dispatch his South African opponent Jade Karam.
Barry Barnes who was making his professional debut won a thrilling four round contest by the minimum margin of 38 to 37 against Przemyslay of Poland.
Craig McCarthy who topped the bill also won his fight by a point as he got the better of Teodor Lozanov 58 to 57 in a bruising six round contest.
During the night WLR's Matt Keane made a special presentation on behalf of the promoters Ring Kings to two Waterford men who have devoted their life to boxing Paul Simpson and Seamus Cowman. Both received a standing ovation.
