McKee and Burlinson treat Belfast crowd to title fight for the ages

Rhys McKee is the new Cage Warriors welterweight champion. After an epic battle with Justin Burlinson in front of a raucous crowd at Belfast’s SSE Arena, Ballymena native McKee recorded a third-round KO to seal the victory. The bout served as a fitting climax to a dramatic CW 140 card, with the pair producing a bout for the ages as they fought for a title that was vacated by Ian Garry last year following the undefeated Dubliner’s departure for the UFC. It was also a night to remember for another home favourite in Caolan Loughran, who defeated Festus Ahorlu via TKO in the second round to keep his undefeated record intact. Elsewhere on the main card, James Sheehan stopped Martin Causse, Harry Hardwick and Federico Pasquali shared the spoils, and Ryan Shelley was awarded a tight decision at the expense of Matthew Elliott.

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Vacant welterweight title: Rhys McKee def. Justin Burlinson via KO (punches) after 0:27 of round three Bantamweight: Caolan Loughran def. Festus Ahorlu via TKO (punches) after 3:20 of round two Welterweight: James Sheehan def. Martin Causse via TKO (punches) after 1:16 of round two Featherweight: Harry Hardwick and Federico Pasquali fought to a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28) Featherweight: Ryan Shelley defeated Matthew Elliott via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) 132lbs catchweight: Michele Martignoni def. Scott Malone via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-26) Lightweight: James Power def. Adam Shelley via TKO (knees and punches) after 4:23 of round two Middleweight: Michael Tchamou def. Glenn Irvine via KO (punch) after 0:30 of round one 160lbs catchweight: Adam Darby def. Dorian Cliucinicov by TKO (punches) after 4:29 of round one