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Fearless Feargal McCrory sneaks scrappy swing bout to round off Sky Sports show


What was meant to be a dream coming-out party turned into a nightmare for Feargal McCrory tonight in Belfast

The Coalisland super feather was due to make his television debut on the Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov undercard – however found his bout relegated to an off-screen fight following the main event.

Not only this, his scheduled six rounder was scaled back to just four.

McCrory however battled through and claimed the toughest win of his career.

Initially due to take a major step up against former British title challenger, McCrory was subject to a late change to Welsh prospect Callum Busuttil.

Going from a slick southpaw to a fellow pressure fighter, and from an eight rounder to a six – and then to a four – it was far from ideal prep for the Tyrone man however he started the stronger, forcing Busuttil back.

The Welsh prospect however quickly grabbed a foothold, timing southpaw McCrory well with the right hand.

Busuttil continued to do well in the second and third as McCrory seemed to lag before a big final round from the Irishman who dug deep.

Going to the final scorecard of the night with no certainty over the result, McCrory was deemed a winner on a 39-37 tally.

Team Busuttil were unhappy with the decision and it is unquestionable their man landed the more eye-catching shots, however referee John Lowey was seemingly swayed by the heavier blows of the more physical McCrory who continued to press throughout.

The win sees McCrory move to 7(3)-0, while the impressive Busuttil drops to 2(0)-1(0).

dpg

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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