Bernard Dunne's quest for a world title shot is nearing an end after the Dubliner beat Uruguayan Christian Faccio in seven rounds at Breaffy House in Castlebar. A clash of heads brought the bout to a premature end and though the bantamweight was disappointment to see the fight stopped because of the gash to his forehead, the judges' points decision was always going to be in his favour.
Dunne's display up until then had been composed and measured, the Neilstown fighter wary of getting drawn in close against a the short but powerful South American.
Kiko Martinez, an opponent of similar style and stature, had set his career back almost irreparably last year but lightning was never going to strike twice as Dunne kept Faccio at a distance and picked him off consistently with some clean left jabs and landed some powerful left hooks.
Having won every round, Dunne was firmly on course but the clash of heads in the seventh prompted the referee to call a halt before the fighters emerged from their corners for the eighth.
The judges were asked for their verdict and it was given as 70-65 in Dunne's favour.
The deep cut to his forehead could well mean a longer lay off than Dunne might have hoped but the primary target of another win was secured in convincing and mature fashion against a highly-rated opponent.