Michael McLaughlin wins title rematch in America

There was no stopping Michael McLaughlin Owen this time round with the Donegal welterweight outpointing Shakha Moore last night in Connecticut.

The fight at the Mohegan Sun Casino was a rematch of the pair’s March bout that was halted after five due to an accidental clash of heads.

Fighting again for the New England title McLaughlin and his greater boxing skills prevailed, taking a unanimous decision on the judge’s scorecards (79-72 x 2, 79-73).

The Cardonagh southpaw landed the crisper shots throughout and scored a flash knockdown in the sixth, although he had to withstand a huge final push from the veteran in the eighth and final round.

The title is the first of McLaughlin’s career and sees the 31 year old move to 12(5)-1(0)-1. Moore drops to 12(2)-22(5)-3 with the defeat.