03-08-2025
Murphy defeats Pearson to move towards Euro title tilt
Colm Murphy took a step towards a shot at the European featherweight title with a commanding win against Luke Pearson in 25-year-old from Belfast won the vacant EBU silver title - which has replaced the former EU title - on a unanimous decision, 120-108, 120-108, 119-109, to improve to 15-0 and hand Pearson his first professional defeat in his 11th was impressive throughout, controlling the pace of the fight as he boxed with conviction and at times seemed on the brink of a came through some tricky moments and although he was unable to take charge, he saw out the 12 rounds but there was no doubting the verdict."That was fantastic, exactly what he needed," said Murphy's manager, Mark Dunlop."Hats off to Luke Pearson - he was as tough as they come. He (Murphy) nearly had him out of there five or six times but Pearson clung on for dear life."Colm is still only 25 and I want to get one in for him before Christmas before we go big. He is mandatory for the European, Commonwealth and the British titles but there is no panic with him and he is improving with every fight."
Murphy takes control from the opening bell
Murphy took control of the centre of the ring from the off as he sought to press home his physical advantage, backing Pearson up and landing a looping right hand, which set the tone for the showed more ambition in the second and found a home for the right as he got into range, but Murphy was able to walk down the moving target and finished the second round in the ascendency as he closed the gap and let his hands Belfast man continued to dominate in the third as he handed heavy right hands to head and body, with Pearson's moments was struggling to build any momentum as he found himself out of range and when he did take a step inside, Murphy was stopping him in his tracks. He did enjoy success early in the fifth with a short left hook, but it didn't deter the Belfast man who continued to box with patience and pick him moments to land with pattern continued into the second half of the fight with Murphy in control, yet Pearson was still in there trying to turn it his way but didn't appear to have the power make Murphy think refused to get reckless but was stepping on the gas a little more in the ninth as he chipped away at Pearson, landing to the body and finishing the round with an into the championship rounds, Murphy was the fresher of the two and he sought the big finish, landing a huge right hand in the 12th to underline a fine performance as he moved into pole position to fight for the full European title.
