Donovan shines in beating Ball on Taylor undercard

Paddy Donovan added to his growing reputation with a ninth knockout victory from 12 fights in defeating England's Danny Ball for the WBA Continental Welterweight belt at Dublin's 3Arena on the undercard of the Chantelle Cameron-Katie Taylor showdown.

The Ennis fighter was on top when he caught Ball with a magnificent body shot in the fourth round.

Ball attempted to recover but accurate and clean punches eventually led to Ball falling to the ground once more and the towel came in from the corner.

The 24-year-old moves to 12-0-0 in four years as a professional with former world champion Andy Lee in the corner.

Donovan started brightly with his fast hands and clever work no match for Ball who had just one defeat in 14 fights prior to tonight.

It was the first 10-rounder of his career and arguably the most impressive finish so far.

Earlier heavyweight Thomas Carty endured a frustrating night that ultimately ended in success against Dan Garber.

Garber was negative throughout and led to Carty failing to find his timing.

A slow first round saw the referee step in and encourage more action but it failed to change Garber's approach.

Carty searched for the big left hand – particularly when Garber retreated to the corner – and he couldn’t connect.

However Garber eventually felt the efforts of the holding and physical approach, allowing Carty to score some big shots.

The British fighter went down from a left and right combination, with fatigue a big factor.

Speaking afterward Carty admitted his frustration with the evening and how it unfolded. Nevertheless he continued the unbeaten start to his career, now standing 7-0-0.

Emmet Brennan came out on top against Limerick's Jamie Morrissey in a bruising Celtic light-heavyweight contest, with the