Joe Fitzpatrick claims comeback stoppage win on Sky show

Joe Fitzpatrick finally got the chance to continue his pro development this evening in Belfast and claimed a comeback stoppage win.

The Divis lightweight has been kept out of action since February with niggling hand injuries, but made a victorious return and his arena debut tonight at the Odyssey.

Fitzpatrick featured on the Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov undercard and claimed a good win in an entertaining fight.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medalist faced awkward Zambian Mwenya Chisanga over six rounds and stopped the London-based away fighter in the sixth and final round.

The African had upset Jonny Phillips as the away fighter last month but, for all his effort here, was undone by Fitzpatrick.

Despite the break, ‘The Dragon’ began smoothly, winging in bodyshots and tapping away well from from the outside.

Fitzpatrick continued to ease his way back into action in the second before Chisanga became more aggressive in the third.

While the Zambian southpaw did get through with some lunging shots in the third and fourth, Fitzpatrick countered well.

Chisanga continued to press as the fight moved into the fifth but Fitzpatrick grabbed back control in the sixth and final round, pushing the away fighter back, cornering him, and reigning in shots until the bout was called off.

The comeback win sees Fitzpatrick improve his pro ledger to 8(5)-0. Chisanga drops to 1(0)-2(2).

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