Darragh Foley scores huge KO in dramatic fight Down Under

Darragh Foley was busted up and it looked like his fight today was getting away from him, but the Dubliner made a quick adjustment and scored a knockout of the year contender.

The Blanchardstown light welter defended his WBA Oceania title against Filipino Sonny Katiandagho at the Doltone House just outside Sydney and scored a sixth round one-punch knockout.

The South East Asian came into the contest in red-hot form following three good wins in 2016, and looked to be in the ascendancy here before an equaliser from the Irishman saved the fight.

Foley was the busier in a cagey opener, looking to set up the big southpaw left, knocking his opponent back in one instance.

Katiandagho increased his output in a livelier, albeit scrappy, second with the heads coming together on a few occasions and Foley suffering a small cut above the left brow for his troubles.

The fight exploded into action in the third. Katiandagho began the stanza with a big salvo, landing numerous shots, Foley would fight back before a strong finish from the Filipino. Katiandagho would then land a flurry after the bell, but his offer of apology was rejected by Foley who forcefully pushed him back as the two were separated.

Katiandagho threatened to grab the bout by the scruff of the neck in the fourth as the fight really started to open up, however few notable punches were landed, with the cleaner work coming from the Asian.

Foley began being forced back in the fifth, although the 28 year old Irishman improved as the round went on.

Between head clashes and punches, the left cheek of Foley became gruesomely swollen in the dramatic sixth. Switching orthodox to perhaps protect the injury, the Sydney-based boxer continued to fight on and started to enjoy more success than previous rounds. As the round drew to a close, the Dubliner landed a huge right that left Katiandagho sprawled on the canvas.

The dazed Filipino tried to rise, but his concerned corner quickly entered the ring and called the bout to a halt.

Foley, ranked #15 with the WBA beforehand, moved to 11(8)-2(0) with the stunning win, while Katiandagho drops to 11(6)-2(1).