Chisholm retains unbeaten record

JAMES CHISHOLM kept his unbeaten professional record with a fourth round stoppage over Antpolv Makine in Beslvke, Hungary.

Both boxed in the European junior championships in 1998 after which the Hungarian went on to win three national senior titles.

The Corkman after four wins as a professional stepped up a notch to face the young Hungarian on his home patch and, while he always appeared in control - 59-57 at the end of the third round - the danger of a home town decision always loomed large.

"At the end of the third round my trainer pointed out the situation to me. I was slightly ahead but the crowd was obviously behind my opponent and it was going to be difficult to get a decision," he said. "He told me I might have to stop him to win."

And stop him he did. He caught his opponent with a straight left hand that sent him reeling against the ropes and when he rebounded off the ropes he caught him with a text book uppercut.

A second uppercut and a straight left to the head and the referee stopped the contest.

"He had taken some big punches all right," Chisholm said. "I felt very strong out there. I have been working out a lot - probably more than other boxers."

His job as fitness manager and personal trainer at the Fitness First Health Club in London means that he has access to the most up-to-date equipment and he was always renowned for his ability to train.

It was his third win inside the distance. He also stopped William Lemond and Nick Deane in his earlier contests.

He will now return to Cork for the Christmas period.