Mark Chamberlain produced a dramatic comeback performance to defeat Ireland’s Pierce O’Leary by 10th-round knockout and claim the IBO light-welterweight title in front of a sold-out crowd in Dublin.
The British fighter knocked O’Leary down twice in the opening rounds before surviving a scare of his own in the seventh, when a crushing body shot from the Irishman sent him to the canvas. Despite appearing to lose momentum, Chamberlain recovered strongly and finished the contest with a decisive late stoppage.
The victory improves Chamberlain’s professional record to 18 wins and one defeat. It also marks his first win since suffering a loss to Josh Padley in 2024, following a draw against Jack Rafferty in Altrincham last summer.
Speaking to DAZN after the fight, Chamberlain praised O’Leary for accepting the challenge and said he has never been afraid to fight away from home.
He admitted the body shot that floored him was the first time he had truly been hurt in a professional bout but credited his preparation for helping him recover. Chamberlain also revealed he had asked promoter Frank Warren before the fight about bringing a major boxing event to his hometown of Portsmouth.
The fight began cautiously before Chamberlain stunned the approximately 7,000 spectators by landing a powerful left hand that sent O’Leary crashing to the canvas in the opening round. He followed that with another knockdown in the second after connecting with a sharp left hook.
O’Leary refused to fade and gradually worked his way back into the contest, encouraged by the home support. His biggest moment came at the end of the seventh round when he trapped Chamberlain in a corner and landed a devastating shot to the body. Chamberlain rose slowly, beat the referee’s count, and managed to reach the bell without absorbing further significant punishment.
Sensing the fight had turned, O’Leary continued to apply pressure in the following rounds as Chamberlain showed signs of fatigue. However, the British boxer found another gear in the 10th. A fast combination forced O’Leary to lower his guard before Chamberlain landed several clean punches, including a straight right that sent the Irishman stumbling into the ropes and down to the canvas. The referee halted the contest, handing Chamberlain the biggest victory of his career.
After the bout, promoter Frank Warren confirmed the fight contract contains a rematch clause, opening the possibility of the pair meeting again in the near future.
Earlier on the same card, British and Commonwealth super-featherweight champion Royston Barney-Smith extended his unbeaten record by defeating fellow Briton Reece Bellotti over 10 rounds to win the vacant IBO intercontinental title.
The 22-year-old from Southampton delivered a composed boxing display, using sharp movement and varied shot selection to control the contest. Bellotti enjoyed moments of success by forcing the southpaw onto the ropes and throwing heavy punches, but Barney-Smith repeatedly escaped with clever footwork before countering effectively.
The victory moves Barney-Smith to a perfect 17 wins from 17 professional fights since making his debut in 2022.