17-year-old James Power scores second professional win

Ireland’s youngest pro scored the second win of his pro career last night in Mexico.

Cork lightweight James Power, just 17 years of age, was in action in Tijuana, returning to the scene of his debut.

Back in September Power scored a second round stoppage over Omar Alvarado and he followed that up with another second round stoppage last night.

The Coachford College Leaving Cert student stopped 18-year-old debutant Saul Victoria, going to war in the opening round before wrestling his way on top and scoring a knockout at the start of the second.

Power had hoped to be in action on Saturday night alongside Dylan Moran and Vladimir Belujsky but, with that show overbooked, the Rebel teen had to wait another 24 hours before stepping into the ring.

This delay meant a last-minute change of opponent from Isaac Galindo [0-12(8)] to the more ambitious and dangerous Victoria but Power managed to take this in his stride.

Not 18 until next April, the Declan Geraghty-trained youngster remains ineligible to box in Ireland and, with his studies heating up, it is currently not known whether he will box in Mexico again before coming of age.

Whether he does or not, his professional record now stands at 2(2)-0

Power said that “I was up against a kid just like myself, young and trying to make a name for himself. He came to fight and hit very hard. We traded shots early on but I backed him up and finished him off at the beginning of round two.”

“Thank you to everyone back home, I’m blown away by the amount of support I’m receiving once again and I am delighted to deliver another win for you all. I enjoyed that fight and I’m looking forward to coming home.”