PODY McCrory came through a storm to take a deserved points win against determined Steed Woodall in the headline act of an entertaining Feile an Phobail boxing bill on Friday night.
The weather turned sour but the atmosphere was jovial and raucous as McCrory and physically strong Englishman Woodall looked horns over 10 engrossing rounds, many of which were close. McCrory was able to land hurtful shots in almost every round but Woodall displayed a good chin and fired back when he was in danger.
His gloves touched the canvas after McCrory caught him with a cuffing right hook in the eighth round and, although he piled on the pressure in the final round, McCrory had done enough to secure the 18th win of his career.
"He came and fought," said McCrory afterwards.
"It was a good fight. It was new for me being the main event and I found a way to get the win and that's the main thing. He was buzzed a few times but I just couldn't put it together - a few things happened in camp but I'm very happy with the performance and that I got the win against a good opponent. Steed is a guy who is probably slightly underrated and I think he'll cause a few upsets.
"The atmosphere was amazing, I sucked it up and it's something I'll remember forever. What's next is up to Conlan Boxing, I just want a bigger and better fight."
In the chief support, Sean McComb mixed dazzling boxing skills with good old-fashioned fighting heart to out-point Alejandro Moya and retain his WBO European title. Moya kept coming forward and had occasional successes but McComb's movement and handspeed were too much for him.
"It was comfortable," he said afterwards.
"I always get involved in fights but I only do it when I'm comfortable. He wasn't hurting me."
On the undercard, South Armagh middleweight Fearghus Quinn won impressively when he mixed it against Ramiro Blanco and Kurt Walker won every round against Jayro Duran.
Kieran Molloy recorded a first round knockout against Sam O'Maison and Lewis Crocker's left hook ended his fight with Greyvin Mendoza in the fourth.
Conor Quinn can look forward to a shot at the Commonwealth Silver title after he had far too much for Bryan Castro and Gerard Hughes and James Freeman both got valuable rounds under their belts.
