Pierce O’Leary wins IBO super lightweight title after Hughes corner stops fight

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The stoppage gave O’Leary (19-0, 10 KOs) the first world title of his professional career and the biggest victory of his unbeaten run. Hughes (29-9-2, 6 KOs), who accepted the fight on short notice and moved up from the lightweight division, was withdrawn by his corner before the start of Round 6.

O’Leary controlled much of the fight from the opening round and rarely allowed Hughes to settle into a rhythm. Fighting in front of a loud Dublin crowd, the 26-year-old Irish contender pressed forward and consistently forced exchanges as Hughes attempted to move around the ring and keep distance.

The size and age difference between the two fighters became noticeable early. Hughes, now 36, tried to box off the back foot, but O’Leary repeatedly closed the distance and walked the veteran down.

O’Leary stalked Hughes around the ring for much of the fight, landing hooks whenever he trapped him near the ropes. The pressure rarely stopped, forcing Hughes to stay in motion and defend for long stretches. After hurting Hughes in the fourth round, O’Leary began attacking more aggressively and at times looked reckless as he chased the finish.

Hughes did land a few clean shots that snapped O’Leary’s head back during exchanges. It was fortunate for O’Leary that Hughes is not known as a heavy puncher, because those moments hinted at the kind of openings that a stronger puncher might have been able to exploit.

By the end of the fifth round, Hughes’ corner decided their fighter had taken enough. Trainer Sean O’Hagan informed the referee that Hughes would not return for the sixth round, bringing the contest to an end.

The result gives O’Leary his first world title and another step forward in his unbeaten career. Hughes falls to 29-9-2 after a tough assignment against a younger and physically stronger opponent.