In his first fight for 16 months, Ireland's Kevin McBride thrilled a huge crowd in Boston on Saturday night with a stunning knock-out of Domingo Munroe.

The Clones heavyweight, now under the tutelage of Goody Petronelli, took only 50 seconds to dispatch the Rhode Island journeyman, who was virtually lifted off the canvas with an upper cut from the 6ft 6in - 245lbs, Monaghan man.

Asked if McBride could turn out to be the next Gerry Cooney, co-trainer Michael Joyce said: "Better, with his strength and the help of Goody Petronelli, I have no doubt that he will be the next great white hope," said Joyce.

McBride, who is expected to fight again next month in Rhode Island, now boasts a professional record of 23-1-3, including 20 knock-outs.