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Gary Cully opens big Belfast show in style


Gary Cully got proceedings underway this evening in Belfast with an eye-catching stoppage win.

The Naas lightweight opened the show at the SSE Odyssey Arena on the Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov undercard and claimed a third round stoppage win.

Cully had been massively impressive on his debut last month when he dispatched Gyula Tallosi in just 42 seconds, but faced a tougher fight here..

The Kildare southpaw this evening was faced by English journeyman Josh Thorne over four rounds, a slight step up, but Cully scored a dominant stoppage victory.

The game Londoner had previously held 6-0 prospect Charlie Williams to a draw, as well as claiming a stalemate against Nathanael Wilson, son of Chris Eubank – but was no match for the 2013 European Youth gold medalist here.

Following a cagey first, sharp counters sent Thorne down twice in the second as Cully began to pick up the pace, and a big backhand after the second knockdown sent the away fighter reeling back.

Cully came out throwing and landing combinations in the third, Thorne stood firm initially before the lilywhite switched to the body. Thorne sagged under the pressure and referee Eamonn Magill jumped in to stop the fight.

The stoppage win sees Cully move to 2(2)-0, while the durable drops to Thorne 1(0)-11(3)-2.

There will be little time for rest either for Cully who will have his third fight in three months – and second at the Odyssey – on Saturday November 18th on the ‘Frampton Reborn’ BT Sport show.

Kildare boxing is proudly supported by Liffey Crane Hire.

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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