3Arena, Dublin – For the IBO super welterweight title, James Metcalf (25-2, 15 KOs) fought his way to a twelve round unanimous decision over Dennis Hogan (34-5-1, 7 KOs)
The scores were 117-110, 117-110 and 115-112 for Metcalf.
The fight started quickly, with Metcalf pressing forward and throwing big shots while Hogan was boxing on the backfoot.
After an even second, Metcalf erupted with punches to open up the third and seemed to rattle Hogan. In rounds three, four and five, Hogan was able to make good adjustments, but in round six it was Metcalf coming on again with the big shots.
Metcalf continued to rally with accurate shots at close range in the seventh. Hogan was not moving as much and began to bleed from a cut around the right eye. It was give and take in the eight. Hogan was doing a lot of holding, with Metcalf landing the much catchier punches. It was a real ugly fight in the ninth with messy work by both in close. Hogan was landing sneaky shots on Metcalf.
More give and take during the tenth and eleventh. Hogan was using a lot of veteran tricks to keep Metcalf at bay. Both had their moments. The twelfth was once again a give and take. Hogan was able to take the punches well and firing back with his own. Hogan lost a point for his mouthpiece coming out for at least the fourth time in the fight. Metcalf closed strong.
MORE DETAILS TO COME………..