Corkwoman storms to title fight win

Saturday nights are electric — especially if you happen to be at Neptune Stadium for some Thai boxing.

Ireland’s first female A Class title fight took place this weekend, with Elaine McElligott from Midleton, Co Cork battling it out with Dublin’s Kelly Creegan.

This is the second time the pair have met in the ring, with McElligott taking the win during their first match three years ago.

Despite this, neither women were pegged as clear favourites, a fact that weighed heavily on the pre-fight anticipation — this was going to be one hell of a battle.

After an uncannily even opening, McElligott took an early lead with a series of strong boxing combinations just before the end of the first round.

Despite a strong comeback from Creegan in the second round, McElligott answered punch for punch, knocking down her opponent for an eighth count.

Both fighters showed signs of tiring in the third round, with McElligott a little worse off sporting some bruises and a bloody nose.

Sensing the end was near, Creegan stormed into round four, determined to take the fight.

It was a case of too little, too late however, following an unexpected burst of energy from McElligott who continuously shut down her opponent, securing a well deserved win despite a very technically close match.