Marc McCullough eases his way past former World Champion

Marc McCullough added a former World Champion in Belfast on Saturday night.

The featherweight prospect beat Dmitry Kirilov, a fighter who had Freddie Roach in his corner when he won a super flyweight world title, into submission to retain his WBO European title.

The tricky Russian’s rear remain planted on his stool after the bell for the ninth had just sounded and his corner decided to pull him out.

McCullough tested his fans hearts last time out when he went to war with Martin Paralgi at the Waterfront, but eased to victory in front of a large and vocal support this time round.

The Irish champion managed the distance superbly and was controlled, calm and accurate from range. He played the lead in every stanza against the veteran, but was more cultured than all action hero this time round.

By round eight Kirilov hadn’t landed a shot of note, but had taken so much punishment that his corner decided to pull him out.

As a result McCullough claimed a stoppage win over a former World champion and did so with ease.