On This Day: July 26th

1977: There was a bumper Tuesday night bill in Derry 39 years ago.

Topping the card was local hero Charlie Nash, a future European champion, who outpointed strong American lightweight Larry Stanton over ten rounds (100-95.5) at the Templemore Sports Complex.

There were two title bouts on the undercard. Newry’s Danny McAlinden scored a destructive second round stoppage over reigning champion ‘Jumbo’ Sean McKenna from Downpatrick to claim the Northern Ireland heavyweight title.

Another local lad, Neil McLaughlin also knocked out Belfast’s Terry Hanna in five to win the Northern Irish bantamweight belt.

Finally, the card also saw a debut for amateur star Davy Larmour, who took less than a round to finish English bantam Jimmy Bott. The Commonwealth gold medalist and Olympian would win a British title during his 18-fight career as well as the Northern Irish strap, beating McLaughlin the following year.