Oakleaf ABC’s Tom Stokes is the Ulster Senior welterweight champion.
By Chris McNulty, ringside at the Dockers Club
Stokes overcame Carrickmore’s Shane Murphy in this evening’s final in Belfast.
Picture: Tom Stokes with Oakleaf coaches Eamonn McAuley, Eugene O’Kane and Christy Doherty
Stokes took a unanimous decision win over the gutsy Murphy at the Dockers Club.
The elusive Oakleaf southpaw began well and had the better of the opening three minutes.
Stokes’ variety stood him well in that first round, where he laid the foundations for the win.
A straight right by Stokes at the outset of the second verse continued his dominance of the fight.
At times, Stokes had to be patient, but patient he was, using his right jab to good effect.
Murphy got a lift in the final round when Stokes was tiring somewhat, but he found a second wind to finish strong and ensure the title was his.
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