Paddy Gallagher stops former Scottish champ on Belfast Boy undercard

Paddy Gallagher scored an impressive stoppage win tonight in Belfast.

Returning to the ring seven months on since his narrow British title eliminator loss to Tamuka Mucha, Gallagher featured on the Burnett-Haskins ‘Belfast Boy’ undercard at the SSE Odyssey Arena.

In what was his first fight since rejoining old trainer Gerard McManus, the Lenadoon welter finished former Scottish champion Craig Kelly inside three rounds.

Kelly was a game foe and one who weighed in almost a half a stone heavier than Gallagher. The Scot began quickly and, while Gallagher did show some good movement, the opener was arguably Kelly’s round.

It was no worry though for the ‘The Pat Man’ who upped the pace in the second and scored a heavy, heavy knockdown. Catching Kelly with hooks from both hands, and one on the way down, the Paisley puncher did well to continue and fight back strong.

Kelly would touch down again in the third following a skimming body shot. The Scot was ready to go again and Gallagher sent him down twice more to the body as Kelly shelled up, with referee Hugh Russell Jr calling a halt to the bout following the third knockdown of the round (and fourth in total).

Gallagher improves his record to 11(7)-3(0) following the impressive win, while the game but outgunned Kelly drops to 9(2)-11(5)-1.

With the comeback victory in the bag, the Irishman will now be looking to defend his BBBoC Celtic belt, potentially against one of his Irish rivals, and move into British and Commonwealth title contention

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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