Martin McDonagh wins Southern Area title at York Hall
It was Kent vs London in Bethnal Green last night as Medway's Martin McDonagh (11-2, 1KO) defeated Chelsea's Connor Marsden (6-3, 2KO) by knockout in the 10th and final round at the York Hall.
September 30th will be a date forever emblazoned in Martin's mind, as he claimed his first professional title – the oldest belt in British boxing.
27-year-old southpaw McDonagh was deducted a point in the eighth round by referee Lee Every for holding, but managed to force the stoppage with less than a minute to go after landing a powerful overhand left to the chin of Marsden, sending the champion crashing through the ropes. The official time was 2:11 in the 10th round.
With the stunning victory, McDonagh added his name to an esteemed list of Southern Area lightweight champions, which includes Graham Earl. It's the first time the lightweight title has been back to Kent since 2014, when Hoo's Adam Dingsdale was champion.
The Sheerness boxer said post-fight, "Some night last night! Words can’t describe the feeling. Was in a good fight, stuck to game plan.
"We said last night was my night that we be coming home with that belt. Big thanks to these two [trainers Billy and Charlie Rumbol].
"That was our 52nd fight together, been highs and lows but winning our first pro title in style. Thanks for everything you do for me, always believing in me when no one else did. Teamwork makes the dream work. Big thanks to Charlie Rumbol, always there guiding us, wouldn’t have no other two in the corner with me. Just the start of many big and better nights."
"Big thank you to every last person who bought a ticket from me and watch me win my first pro title. Wouldn’t be possible without you, means a lot and York Hall was rocking last night. And the new!"
