Ciarain Shannahan wins World title!
On Saturday March 23rd at MTGP fight night 86, from Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London, Ciarain Shannahan took on Reece Rowell for the 80kg KGP 4oz World title.
Both fighters came out ready to throw and an early exchange of kicks and punches saw them both land. Shannahan used his reach and mixed up kicks to the body and legs. Rowell responded with a flurry of heavy punches swinging with bad intentions and landed a couple of big left hooks that knocked Shannahan back a step. Undeterred he walk forward again landed and a nice knee, forcing Rowell into the corner and unleashing a sharp combo with the hands. Shannahan picked up the work rate and mixed it up nicely landing combos of kicks, knees and punches. He took a couple of big rights back from Rowell but they were single shots against his fast combinations mixing up the attack high and low. A beautiful front kick pushed Rowell back into the corner and the follow up punches found their intended target knocking Rowell down, only the ropes holding him up, and forcing a standing 8 count.
Coming back out the signs of wear on Rowels face we’re starting to show. Shannahan, now finding his rhythm, continued landing combos and mixing up the attack, again forcing Rowell against the ropes and delivering a solid knee to the mid section. Once again backed into a corner Rowell took some more knees backed up with punches all finding their target and Shannahan opened up a big cut above the left eye of Rowell which immediately started to bleed heavily. Once more backing his opponent into the corner Shannahan delivered more shots before the referee stepped in to stop the fight after just 2 minutes 41 seconds of the first round.
A fantastic display by Shannahan earned him the KO win and the KGP, 80kg, 4oz World title. This was Ciarains first fight for Team Jai Dee and what a start! The Irishman put on an incredible show, entertained the crowd and done his family and his team mates proud!
Congratulations Ciarain - World champion !
Also huge congratulations to Luke Thompson and Simon Forrester who both fought on the same card and both took decision wins.
