Aiden Metcalfe comes through tough debut to score debut win

Aiden Metcalfe was forced to overcome a tough fight-week opponent change to claim a debut win tonight in Dublin.

The Crumlin super featherweight was due to box Dawid Knade, but was instead presented with an improved Polish foe in Damian Lawniczak on the ‘Celtic Clash 3: Building Champions’ card at the National Stadium.

The Eastern European was the only one of Eric Donovan’s first four opponents to bring ‘Lilywhite Lightning’ the distance and has previously upset prospects, but Metcalfe managed to squeak a hard-fought win here..

The Dubliner began quickly, firing out volleys of shots as he circled the ring. Lawniczak was game, throwing punches, but the quality work was coming from Metcalfe.

Lawniczak upped the aggression in the second, walking down Metcalfe – who took exception to some of the Pole’s gamesmanship. A feisty fight, it would open up, with the pair trading heavy looking shots.

The war continued in the third, with both landing meaty hooks. Metcalfe tried to bring his jab into play. Lawniczak was a hard man to keep off though and was forcing the Irish newcomer to engage.

Visibly tired, Metcalfe needed to bite down on the gumshield in the final round as the Polish train continued to chug. Pushed extremely hard, Metcalfe made it through, popping off jabs to keep Lawniczak somewhat at bay.

A contender for fight of the night, it certainly wasn’t a sure thing as we went to the cards – but Metcalfe would be awarded the bout on a tally of 39:38.

The immensely tough win sees Metcalfe begin at 1(0)-0, while Lawniczak – who was warmly applauded at the conclusion – falls to 4(0)-23(3).