Joyce ends Valentino hot streak

DAVID OLIVER JOYCE recorded his second victory on the trot over current AIBA world champion Dominico Valentino in the World Series of Boxing in Istanbul last night.

Both lightweights met in an Istanbul versus Milan WSB clash in the Turkish capital.

Joyce, who is signed with Istanbul, had his hand raised in victory after the fight was stopped after Valentino suffered a cut on his forehead in the third.

Both boxers had shared the opening two rounds up to that point, but Joyce got the nod when he went back to the judges.

The 2009 EU champion beat Valentino – who was unbeaten in four fights going into last night’s clash – 8-4 in an Ireland and Italy international in Belfast in March 2001.

“I’m delighted with the win, said Joyce, of the St Michael’s Athy club. “There was a bit of talk that it was a home-town decision the last time I beat him in Belfast.

“Well, the two of us were away from home last night and I won again. I was only getting going in the third round when it was stopped.”

Joyce’s Irish team-mate Tommy McCarthy, who was boxing for Milan last night, lost out on points to Istanbul light-heavyweight Enrico Kolling of Germany.

Meanwhile, the Youth 1 & 2 and Boy/Girl 4 finals will be decided at the National Stadium in Dublin today.