Chamberlain stuns O'Leary with knockout win in Dublin
Mark Chamberlain defeated Pierce O'Leary with a 10th-round knockout to capture the IBO light-welterweight belt, overcoming a seventh-round knockdown.
In a gripping contest before a capacity crowd of about 7,000 in Dublin, Britain's Mark Chamberlain produced a late stoppage to claim the IBO light-welterweight title against local favourite Pierce O'Leary. The Portsmouth fighter floored O'Leary twice early on, but had to dig deep after being dropped himself in the middle rounds.
Chamberlain made a strong start, catching O'Leary with a clean left hand in the first round to send him to the canvas. He repeated that success in the second, using a short left hook to knock his opponent down again. However, O'Leary battled back, buoyed by the home support, and at the end of the seventh round he cornered Chamberlain and delivered a punishing shot to the body. Chamberlain, slow to rise, just managed to beat the count and make it to the bell.
O'Leary continued to press forward in the following rounds, with Chamberlain appearing tired. But the momentum shifted dramatically in the 10th, when Chamberlain landed a rapid combination that left O'Leary with his hands down. A straight right hand then sent the Irishman crashing into the ropes and onto the canvas, prompting the stoppage.
The victory improves Chamberlain's professional record to 18 wins and one defeat. It was his first outing since drawing with Jack Rafferty in Altrincham last summer, and his first win since a loss to Josh Padley in 2024. For O'Leary, the defeat is a setback in his push for major titles.
