On top of a Matchroom NXTGEN show at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, Peter McGrail returned to winning ways, taking the vacant WBA International super bantamweight title with a clear points win against Marc Leach.
2020 Olympian McGrail had his swift progress as a professional checked in his most recent outing, as he was knocked out in five rounds by Ja’Rico O’Quinn when well ahead on the cards last December. A rematch was meant to take place here, but O’Quinn withdrew due to personal issues, and former British champion Leach stepped in.
It was a confident start from McGrail (9-1, 5 KOs), who unloaded with a variety of power punches in the first couple of rounds, and Leach’s best shots came on the counter early on.
The pressure was relentless from the home favourite, and by the fifth his punches were starting to wear Leach (18-4-1, 4 KOs) down, although the visitor man stood firm.
McGrail kept the pressure on, constantly getting the better of the rounds with his swift hands and footwork, and the pattern continued until the conclusion of the fight.
The bout also served as an eliminator for the British title, and the Liverpudlian came through on the cards by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 x2.
Ferreira claims IBF world title
On the undercard, Beatriz Ferreira took the vacant IBF lightweight title, winning a technical decision after five completed rounds against Yanina del Carmen Lescano.
Brazil’s Ferreira (5-0, 2 KOs) rocked Lescano (14-4, 4 KOs) in the fifth, and the Argentine was badly cut from a clash of heads in the same session.
At the start of round six, the contest was halted, and the scorecards were required, where Ferreira ran out the winner by two scores of 59-55, and a third at 58-55.
Bostan battles past Martin
Junaid Bostan won a final eliminator for the English super welterweight title, halting Jack Martin in the eighth round of their meeting.
Bostan (9-0, 7 KOs) broke Martin (9-2, 4 KOs) down, and a jarring left hook forced the 29-year-old to the deck, and he was stopped as he was on unsteady legs.
The Rotherham man is now in line for a shot at English super welterweight champion, Lee Cutler.
Now the mandatory challenger for the English Super Welterweight Title 🏴👑🔜 @jdbostan breaks down and stops Jack Martin to also win the Commonwealth Silver 154lb Title 👊
More titles to pick up 🤝 #BostanMartin #McGrailLeach pic.twitter.com/dUp3DkJ56p
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 27, 2024
Remaining Undercard
Joe McGrail (10-0, 5 KOs) banked a useful eight rounds for the first time, taking a 77-75 points win at super bantamweight against Ryan Walker (12-7, 3 KOs).
Stephen Clarke (3-0, 1 KO) was bumped up the bill, and the middleweight had to overcome a cut before taking a four round points win over Artjom Spatar (4-8-1, 1 KO).
Frankie Stringer (7-0) continued his unbeaten start, winning every round of six at lightweight against Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira (6-8, 5 KOs).
SPECIAL DEBUT 🔥 @realhamzauddin#McGrailLeach pic.twitter.com/i5OzWO2uvt
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 27, 2024
Flyweight prospect Maisey Rose Courtney (6-0) also stayed undefeated, taking a 78-75 verdict over eight against Giuseppina Di Stefano (7-3-1, 1 KO).
Super flyweight debutant, Hamza Uddin (1-0, 1 KO) won early on his professional bow, stopping Santiago San Eusebio (3-8-2, 2 KOs) in the third round of their scheduled six rounder.
