Irishman Martin Rogan upset favourite David Dolan to win the inagural Prizefighter at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.
Upset result crowns cracking night of boxing at Bethnal Green
Martin Rogan upset favourite David Dolan to win the inagural Prizefighter at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.
With former WBU welterweight champion Eamonn Magee in his corner, the Belfast boxer claimed a points victory to net the winner's cheque of £25,000.
He twice had his opponent on the canvas in a gruelling final that rounded out an excellent night of boxing
seen live on Sky Sports.
Rogan's come-forward approach certainly got him the nod on the judges' scorecards by a margin of 29-25, 29-27, 28-27.
"It means the world to me," he told
Sky Sports. "That's a world title to me.
"The money is fantastic but it comes and goes. This title will be with me for the rest of my life.
Entertainment
"I knew I'd get the crowd behind me, I hope all those that have suppored me here come to Ireland to watch my next fight, because I always give entertainment."
The night had started with eight boxers going into battle in a knockout competition fighting three, three-minute round contests to bring about one winner.
Rogan gave a warning to the rest with a stunning second-round knockout in his quarter-final clash with 22-year-old Alex Ibbs.
He came close to ending the bout in the first, only the bell saving his rival from Portsmouth who also suffered a nasty cut.
In the last four he managed to get the better of Bill Bessey's conqueror, David Ferguson, who seemed tired after his earlier exhertions.
Pedigree
Dolan had been the heavy favourite following an excellent amateur career that had included winning a gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
However, he was forced to work hard in his opening bout, taking some heavy punishment from Darren Morgan in the second round.
His semi-final showdown with Paul Butlin, who had caused a surprise of his own with a stoppage success over the experienced Colin Kenna, turned out to be much more one-sided, although he had to settle for a win on points.
It proved to be one fight too far though for the man from Sunderland in the final, Rogan's bullish strength and heavy hands making sure Irish eyes were smiling when the final bell sounded.
