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Jay Byrne scores step-up win in first six rounder

Jay Byrne put on the best performance of his career yet tonight in Dublin.

The Loughlinston welter took on notably tough Spaniard Sergio Abad in his fourth professional fight and scored an impressive, narrow points win.

‘The Negotiator’ made the step up to six rounds for the first time, and a strong showingin the middle rounds saw him claim a deserved one-point win on the cards.

A cagey opener saw Abad attempt to force Byrne to the ropes as the Dubliner circled and popped the jab.

Abad made a good start to the second stanza, but Byrne would fight back well as the round progressed.

In what was his best round, Byrne started the third quickly, unloading a flurry on Abad to stamp his authority on the fight before boxing well off the jab

Byrne controlled much of the fourth, but did shift one massive right that momentarily stiffened his legs.

Going into the fifth round for the first time in his career, Byrne continued to box and move, picking his shots well as Abad bulled forward.

Both boxers were tired by the sixth, but the 30 year old Irishman had enough about him to quell the constant advances of the Spaniard.

Going to the scorecards, Byrne was awarded the bout on a scoreline of 58:57 to take a hard-fought win.

The step-up win sees Byrne move to 4(1)-0, while Abad, who received warm applause from the Irish fans, drops to 2(1)-8(1).

A great learning win in the bank, the self-managed fighter will now look toward a slot on the first ‘It’s A Bout Boxing Ireland’ card on April 1st.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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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