Paul McCloskey was well in control against Daniel Rasilla

Paul McCloskey secured a comfortable win over Spaniard Daniel Rasilla in their European light-welterweight title fight in Magherafelt on Friday night.

The Dungiven boxer dominated throughout and the referee stopped the contest after two minutes and 15 seconds of the ninth round at the Meadowbank Arena.

McCloskey had Rasilla in trouble in round five and then knocked down his opponent twice in the ninth.

The 30-year-old extends his 100 per cent winning professional record to 20.

Rasilla was a late replacement for France's ex-world champion Souleymane M'baye.

"That was not my best performance but I had to adapt as I had been expecting to fight M'baye until earlier this week," said McCloskey.

"I was sluggish at the start but then got into it, although he made it hard for me.

"I didn't get hurt and got my own shots in so that was pleasing.

"He was cagey and kept backing off so I had to work my way in there, but I'm European champion and I'm delighted," he added.

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