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Chris Blaney loses after war with Stokes

Chris Blaney [11(3)-2-1] suffered defeat for a second time as a pro over in England on Saturday night.

With all eyes on Celtic Clash 8 the Meath fighter’s Northampton-hosted bout flew somewhat under the radar.

The Navan man, with Irish middleweight title ambitions, took on Tom Stokes [11(1)-2(1)], a fighter with a similar record to his own, at light heavyweight- and things didn’t quite go to plan.

Blaney suffered away defeat losing out on the scorecards by a single point.

It’s the second time the ‘Ginja Ninja’ suffered a reverse, his first coming last March in Last Man Standing after an enthralling three rounds with Jack Cullen.

By all accounts Saturday’s clash trumped the aforementioned in terms of excitement with reports suggesting it was a war from star to finish. Unfortunately it was a battle Blaney came out the wrong side of.

chris blaney

Stokes was an interesting choice of opponent for the Ricky Hatton-trained fighter. The former BBBofC Midlands Area title challenger obviously has something about him and  to take him on in England was somewhat of a risk.

Not to mention it was only Blaney’s second fight back after a year out with eye injury, the last being a draw with Owen Joburn.

The plan seemed to be,  rid the Navan man of some ring rust before a domestic title fight at home in late Summer early Autumn, but Saturday’s defeat may see a temporary deviation in the plotted path.

Speaking on social media the fighter remained upbeat.

“Lost last night by 1 point, absolute war for 6 rounds. I thought I won and so did a lot of other people, but it’s one of them. On to the next one, these are the fights I want, thanks to everyone for there lovely texts, I’ll be back better again!”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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