It was the return of the Assassin as Lee McAllister clinched the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Welterweight Championship.
In a fascinating all Celtic affair in Glasgow against Dundalk's Michael Kelly McAllister known as the Aberdeen Assassin (36-3-0) won in style.
McAllister looked in superb shape with his lean 10st 7lbs frame belying the fact that this was his second bout after a lengthy three year lay-off. Kelly ended up on the canvas courtesy of a couple of strong blows from McAllister who clearly worked himself hard in his training routine.
A delighted McAllister said: �I've had a long break from boxing, but now it's time for The Assassin to return and clean-up.� McAllister was meant to be fighting Korley Collison from Ghana however the fighter from West Africa was unable to secure a visa.
In stepped Dundalk's former World Military Games Gold Medallist Michael Kelly (9-9-1) for his shot at the title at Marriott Hotel in Glasgow. Kelly is certainly no slouch and arrived with a serious shot at glory himself and McAllister knew there could be no complacency here. The Aberdeen fighter was efficient and productive with a performance that impressed all at ringside. In a strong showing from the opening bell the Assassin controlled each round with precision and concentration. Kelly would be a danger to many an opponent but on this occasion the Irishman's ingenuity and guile was nullified by stout Scottish defensive work.
McAllister built on this by plundering serious points throughout with clever tactics and strong punches. After some impressive counters to the body referee Chris Kelly halted the contest in McAllister's favour after 1 minute and 31 seconds of the fifth round.
The Aberdeen Assassin was back on the boxing map and on this evidence there may be more to come.