Boxing: Derry boxer John Duddy made a welcome return to the National Boxing Stadium last night to secure a 10th-round stoppage winner over battling Italian Alessio Furlan in their middleweight bout.
Duddy started best of the two boxers and had Furlan on the canvas in the opening round. However, any momentum gained was stalled as an untimely cut emerged above Duddy's left eye after a clash of heads.
Just as the opening rounds went Duddy's way Furlan came back into the encounter and gave the home favourite plenty to think about as the Italian took advantage of his opponents often exposed chin.
However, the Derry boxer, who resides in the States, finished the stronger of the two by picking it up from the eighth round onwards.
In the 10th Furlan was put down twice as exhaustion appeared to have got the better of him. But with little over 10 seconds left the stoppage could be deemed as harsh.
This was Duddy's first professional fight in Ireland and also his 21st straight win.