Hugo Micallef, Monaco’s only professional boxer, has suffered his first defeat in the ring after being stopped in the eighth round by Ireland’s Sean McComb in a fight for the IBF European lightweight belt.

The bout took place on Saturday evening at the fourth edition of the Monte-Carlo Showdown, where Micallef faced the reigning champion who had claimed the European title in September against Welshman Ben Crocker. The Monegasque’s unbeaten run of 11 professional victories came to an end as McComb successfully defended his continental crown.

Irish champion dominates with left hooks

Throughout the contest, Micallef struggled to cope with McComb’s devastating left hook, which proved to be the defining weapon of the fight. The Irishman’s power punches repeatedly troubled the Monaco fighter, who appeared to suffer under the relentless pressure from the opening rounds.

By the sixth round, after absorbing two heavy left hooks, Micallef appeared close to throwing in the towel but showed determination to continue, searching desperately for an opening that might change the course of the fight. The breakthrough never materialised as the Monegasque exhausted himself attempting to land a knockout blow against an opponent who remained composed and controlled throughout.

Technical knockout ends title hopes

The end came in the eighth round when a third crushing left hook at the edge of the ropes left Micallef unable to defend himself adequately. The referee stopped the contest by technical knockout, bringing an end to the Monegasque’s European title aspirations.

See also: 

Interview + Podcast: undefeated Hugo Micallef on carrying Monaco’s hopes into the fight of his life

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department