‘The Duke’ Watkins becomes Irish cruiser king with huge KO of Ian Tims

The Irish cruiserweight title has a new owner following a stunning knockout in Belfast.

Opening the broadcast portion of the Matchroom ‘Belfast Boy’ bill, Luke Watkins and Ian Tims went to battle for the 200lbs green belt, with Watkins scoring a huge walk-off knockout in the fourth round.

An intriguing clash of styles, with Tims aiming to outwork the boxer of Wexford descent on the inside, Watkins made a real statement with a stunning one punch stoppage.

Watkins began on top, and Tims would be wobbled numerous times from sharp single shots.

Dubliner Tims came into the contest in a more even second as the pair began to trade hooks, although Watkins would be the more active again.

Tims started the third on top with clean combinations probably sneaking him the stanza following a strong finish from the Swindon boxer.

It would all be over though in the following round, the fourth, as a one-two from Watkins hit home, sending Tims down hard. After a six-foot freefall, referee David Irvine dispensed with the count to crown ‘The Duke’ as the new Irish King.

The big win sees Watkins improve to 11(7)-0, while veteran Tims drops to 13(4)-4(3).

LISTEN: Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill speak to Luke Keeler and Paddy Barnes on Episode 6 of The Irish Boxing Show: