OLDEST IRISH AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN USA, ESTABLISHED IN 1928
Category: Archive

O’Malley outclasses foe, scores TKO in 3rd round

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

By Jay Mwamba

Rising lightweight star Martin O’Malley scored an impressive third-round TKO over Mexican veteran Pedro Garcia in St. John’s Antigua last weekend.

The faster and stronger puncher, O’Malley brought the short but exciting non-title contest to a conclusion early in the third round when he landed a left to the body followed by a devastating left to the head that sent Garcia to the canvas. The Mexican beat the count at eight but couldn’t

get his feet under him. He fell backward, forcing the referee to stop the bout.

Before the stoppage, O’Malley had used an active jab to outwork the experienced Garcia, who had tried to put his young County Wicklow-raised opponent on the defensive.

"I knew that if he came after me it would be a short fight," O’Malley, who improved his record to 13-0 (12 Kos), said.

Follow us on social media

Keep up to date with the latest news with The Irish Echo

"It was a very convincing win for Martin," his handler, Martin Somers, said. "Garcia was a very good opponent for Martin at this stage in his career."

A veteran of over 50 pro fights, Garcia had recently lost a decision to one-time WBA Lightweight champion Jean Mendy of France.

"Garcia was a very durable opponent and had gone the distance [in bouts over 10 rounds] more times than I have had fights," the 24-year-old O’Malley noted.

Working O’Malley’s corner were his father, Martin Sr., a former amateur pug in his native County Mayo, and the young prospect’s brother, Tom, both of whom had flown in from Seattle. Legendary cutman Chuck Bodak, who works with former welterweight Champ Oscar De La Hoya, was also in the O’Malley corner.

Somers said O’Malley will be taking a short break to allow a slight hand injury he sustained in the fight to heal, before he fights again in the New York area.

For more information on Martin O’Malley and to view video clips of his fight with Garcia, log onto www.celticwarriors.com.

Other Articles You Might Like

Sign up to our Daily Newsletter

Click to access the login or register cheese