Stephen McKenna third round stoppage hailed as fight of year

Irishman Stephen McKenna has claimed the WBC International Silver Super Welterweight Title taking down Joe Lawes in Barnsley.

The fight, which took place at Oakwell Stadium in the undercard for Zak Chelli vs Callum Simpson, while only three rounds long has been described as fight of the year.

Both McKenna and Laws suffered knockdowns in the opening minutes of the first round. The chaos continued into the second as both fighters landed strong hits causing both fighters to stumble.

However the Monaghan native prevailed and struck his oppponent down multiple times throughout the third round. With no prospect of a resurgence Lawes' corner threw in the towel.

The crowd rose to their feet as McKenna claimed the belt and rose his arms in victory from the corner of the ring.

Known as 'The Hitman' his professional boxing record is now 15-0 which includes 14 knock outs, and with more memorable fights like this his reputation is only set to grow.