Mark Chamberlain stops Pierce O'Leary in Dublin super-lightweight bout
British boxer Mark Chamberlain ended the unbeaten professional record of Irish favorite Pierce O'Leary with a tenth-round stoppage at the 3Arena, prompting immediate calls from both fighters for a rematch.
Mark Chamberlain defeated Pierce O'Leary by stoppage in the tenth round of their super-lightweight contest at the 3Arena in Dublin. The victory on Sunday handed the Portsmouth fighter a significant career milestone while inflicting the first professional defeat of O'Leary's career.
Chamberlain established early control during the opening stages of the bout. He dropped his opponent in the second round with a precise left hand, putting the Dublin fighter on the defensive.
The Portsmouth native extended his advantage in the third round by landing a heavy uppercut. O'Leary sank to the canvas for a second time, leaving the hometown favorite on the brink of a swift stoppage loss.
Supported by a vociferous crowd, the Irishman mounted a spirited rally in the middle rounds. His resurgence peaked in the seventh round when a powerful body shot sent Chamberlain crumpling to the floor by the ropes.
Despite the dramatic momentum shift, Chamberlain reasserted his dominance as the contest progressed. In the tenth round, he landed a massive right hand that prompted the referee to immediately wave off the fight.
Following the conclusion of the bout, O'Leary acknowledged his opponent's superiority. "I thought I was well back in the fight when it happened but it is what it is," O'Leary stated.
He also expressed a clear desire to run it back against the Portsmouth fighter. "Mark was the better man on the night," he noted. "A fight like that, I think we all want to see a rematch."
The win marks a crucial rebound for Chamberlain, who revitalized his career trajectory following a draw against Jack Rafferty last August. The result reshapes the super-lightweight division across the British and Irish boxing circuits, securing his standing after a challenging period.
Reflecting on his willingness to compete in hostile environments, Chamberlain emphasized his readiness to travel for major opportunities. "I'm not a stranger to an away day, and anyone that knows me deep down knows I will fight anyone, anywhere," Chamberlain said.
He acknowledged the difficulty of securing bouts in unfavorable locations. "If it means I've got to go in the champion's back garden, I'll do that."
He concluded by praising his opponent, noting the resilience shown by the Dublin fighter. "But I take my hat off to Pierce because he's a true champion and he'll come again."
