McIntosh bags Euro belt

Danny McIntosh claimed the vacant European light-heavyweight title with a dramatic stoppage victory over Thierry Karl in France.

Norwich hitter stuns French fans

Danny McIntosh claimed the vacant European light-heavyweight title with a dramatic stoppage victory over Thierry Karl in France. The inexperienced Norwich slugger had never been beyond seven rounds but showed admirable determination to soak up the Frenchman's biggest punches. McIntosh, who is the current English champion, fought throughout as though only a knockout would suffice, trading heavy shots with his opponent although it was Karl who came out on top in the majority of the exchanges. He was even deducted a point in the eighth round when he floored his opponent with a left hook instead of touching gloves after repeatedly hitting on the break. But the 10th suggested McIntosh was still in with a chance despite being way behind on the scorecards, when he backed up Karl with a barrage of right hands. And it was one of those shots that landed cleanly in the penultimate session, buckling the Frenchman's knees, before a further flurry of blows sunk Karl to the canvas, with the referee subsequently waving the fight off. McIntosh, who was stopped in seven rounds by Nathan Cleverly 18 months ago, could now set up a big domestic clash with current undefeated Commonwealth champion Tony Bellew.