Good wins for town fighters

Welterweight Haughian put his Celtic Title loss to Kevin McIntyre behind him as he faced a tough opponent in Birmingham’s Dee Mitchell.

The Lurgan man got a tremendous reception from his loyal fans. His contest was the first on the night to be televised live on Setanta.

The fight was a competitive nip and tuck affair however the better work came from Haughian and at the end of the six rounds referee Paul McCullough raised the Lurgan man’s hand with a scorecard of 59-55 in his favour.

A delighted Haughian said afterwards: “It was good to get back to winning ways and I thought I boxed well. I felt sharper tonight than I did when I lost my last fight to Kevin McIntyre at the King's Hall.

“It was also good to fight in the Ulster Hall. I want to stay busy and get back into the ring as soon as possible.”

Haughian's trainer John Breen said: “The win will do wonders for Stephen's confidence and I thought he boxed very well.”

Barry McGuigan was also impressed by the performance.

He said: “Haughian has reaffirmed how good his potential is. He beat a tough, durable opponent in Dee Mitchell and he’s right back in the mix now.

"I thought that Haughian’s body shots were fantastic and he relit the flame of his career and also gave away some natural weight tonight.

“The atmosphere built itself into a crescendo and we’re going to set the scene alive here, it really excites me.”

Light middleweight Ryan Greene was expecting a tough test at the hands of Matt Scriven who doesn’t get stopped too often.

On the way to a emphatic points win Greene had his man hurt from the second round on and almost closed the show early when he floored Scriven for a eight count in the fourth.

Greene was more composed than in his debut and looked in control as he went on to take the verdict 60-53 on referee Kenny Pringle’s scorecard.

Having brought nearly 200 supporters up the M1 with him he certainly didn't waste their journey, as they gave him a roaring welcome to the ring.

“It was great to get fighting on the inaugural Barry McGuigan Ulster Hall show,” said Greene on Monday. "Today people are asking me already when I am back on - so that is all good.

“ I think I performed okay, Damien and Frank Denny and my manager Alan Wilton were all happy with my performance so it’s back to training this week.”