Sport

Sean McComb happy to round off first year as a pro with impressive victory

Sean McComb impressed en route to a straightforward win over Hungary's Zoltan Szabo at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on Friday night. Picture by Mark Marlow
Sean McComb impressed en route to a straightforward win over Hungary's Zoltan Szabo at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on Friday night. Picture by Mark Marlow Sean McComb impressed en route to a straightforward win over Hungary's Zoltan Szabo at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on Friday night. Picture by Mark Marlow

SEAN McComb rounded off a hectic, yet positive start to life as a professional with a 60-53 points win Zoltan Szabo in a highly-entertaining light-welterweight contest on Friday night at Titanic Exhibition Centre.

The former amateur standout made is five wins in as many months since turning to the paid ranks and rounded off his apprenticeship with a step-up in opponent and performance.

McComb was always several steps ahead despite slipping to the floor in the second, but Szabo was legitimately down in the fourth from a left in a fight where both men were happy to trade.

The home favourite was in control despite Szabo pouring forward and making a fight of it at times and was full value for his win and is now looking ahead to a big 2019.

"I showed my skill in there," he said.

"I worked on a few things and I'm happy with my overall performance.

"I'm going into 2019 flying. Now I have the confidence and I've taken a step up. I believe I have two or three fights and then I can fight for a title."

Debutant, Stephen Webb began life in the professional ranks with 40-35 points win over a Rudolf Durica at light-welterweight. The Slovakian was deducted a point for hitting behind the head in the last round.

Fellow St James' man, Padraig McCrory lived up to his 'Hammer' moniker as he blasted through Gabor Detre in 1.48 of the opening round.

McCrory had Detre in trouble immediately with hard rights and an uppercut leaving the Hungarian on unsteady legs. A brief flurry was all referee, Paul McCullagh needed to see as he waved the fight off.

Paddy Gallagher also impressed as he ' improved to 15-4 with a 60-54 points win over Fernando Valencia at welterweight.

He landed flush all night, but Valencia took the shots well although it did seem he was on the brink at times.

Gallagher's overhand hooks worked a treat and he drove lefts to the body to soften up the Mexican.

While he couldn't find the finish, he was content with his night's work and insists he wants a major step-up next.

"He was tough as old boots, but I thought I controlled it well," he said after.

"From now on, I want titles. That doesn't mean a different title every time, but at least win something like a Commonwealth and defend it a few times."

Steve Collins Jnr opened the show with a 60-54 points win against Pawel Strykowski over six rounds, while Phil Sutcliffe Jnr returned from injury and cruised to a 40-36 points win over Eligio Palacios.

Chief support was Gary Cully who blasted through Mohammed Kambuluta in the first, knocking the Tanzanian down three times before referee, Hugh Russell Jnr waved the fight off.

Lewis Crocker and Tyrone McCullagh's fights did not materialise with both men forced to withdraw last week.