Belfast's Paddy Barnes saved the best performance of his professional career for his home-town crowd as he defeated experienced Nicaraguan Eliecer Quezada in the 6th round of their fight on the undercard of Carl Frampton vs Horacio Garcia live on BT Sport.
Barnes was given a hero's reception as he made his way to the ring moments after Jono Carroll claimed the vacant IBF inter-continental title in impressive fashion, and there would soon be more for the Odyssey Arena crowd to cheer.
The Olympian was cool and confident as he patiently chipped away at his opponent before sealing the first stoppage of his pro career with a devastating left hook to the body.
Quezada still in visible discomfort after returning to his corner, that was one hell of a shot.
The Nicaraguan was not Barnes' original opponent but a potentially tricky change in game-plan was successfully navigated and the Belfast man will now be ranked inside the top 10 as it becomes more and more difficult to deny him a title-shot.
Great work Paddy Barnes!
