Marco McCullough produces sensational knockout punch to defeat Geraghty

Marco McCullough registered a sensational stoppage win over Declan Geragthy in the Ulster Hall tonight.

The Belfast fighter pulled a shot out of nowhere to drop the slick southpaw heavy midway 2:23 into the third round.

The stoppage, which won the former British challenger the IBF European super featherweight title, came just when it looked as if Geraghty was starting to frustrate and take control of the fight.

The Dub had started the round the faster and even after a clash of heads looked confident and ready to move the gears.

However, McCullough, who was himself elusive against a renowned slick south paw, was ready to match the increased work rate and pulled out a stoppage of the year contender to win the cross roads fight.

With less than 30 seconds of the round remaining the 29 year old landed a short right hand right on the button. The shot seemed to knock the two time and two weight amateur out on his feet and he dropped to the canvas dramatically.

The first round was understandably cagey. McCullough wasn’t going to press and play into Geraghty’s hands whilst proving elusive himself to the southpaws advances.

If McCullough won the first round by one clean punch the same could be said of ‘Pretty Boy’ in the second, but the Dub looked that little more assured and the Belfast fighter went back to the corner with two nicks under each eye.

Geraghty, who came out to the ring to the sounds of Whitney Houston of all people and along side MMA prospect James Gallagher, started fast in the third and looked to impose himself on proceedings. He landed a succession of left hands, but when a bad cut opened up over the left eye after a clash of heads he looked to return to his boxing.

McCullough stalked to a degree, but the away fighter looked on course to win the round before the Shankill fighter landed a sensational short right hand to drop Geraghty heavy.

Referee Steve Gray started the 10 count but waved the fight off before he reached eight meaning McCullough won what was billed a 50/50 clash via a highlight reel knockout that was broadcast on live on ESPN+.

Geraghty did finally get to his feet and had the wherewithal to congratulate his opponent before leaving the ring.

McCullough will now go in search of another big fight while the future remains uncertain for Geraghty after losing in domestic action for a fourth time and in such dramatic fashion.