AUDLEY Boxing Club's first ever international' fight night proved to be a knockout success.

The Blackburn club played host to Clonoe ABC from Northern Ireland as well as fighters from clubs across the North of England - including Sandygate from Burnley.

A total of 13 bouts between an Audley Select and Clonoe Select took place, seven of which involved fighters from the host club.

The two clubs have forged close links since Audley took a team of fighters to the County Tyrone club last year and are now hoping to make it an annual event.

Talented young fighter Shakeeb Ali got the perfect confidence booster ahead of next month's Junior ABAs in Blackpool when he beat Irish fighter Chris McHugh on a majority points decision.

The 15-year-old won the Under 43kg fight in convincing fashion to avenge his defeat against the same fighter in Northern Ireland last year.

Elsewhere, it was mixed success for the Audley fighters although, win or lose, they all emerged as better boxers for the experience.

Thomas McBride, aged 12, enjoyed a points win over Stockport fighter C Cobbenn to earn his first ever win while Rick McGregor put in the best performance of the night after stopping A Johnson of Penrith in the third round.

It was a fine performance by the 15-year-old who dominated the contest from the first bell, winning the opening two rounds before the referee stopped the fight in the third.

Asraar Ali, Shakeeb's older brother, was unlucky to make it a one-two combination for the Ali family after being penalised for twice dropping his gum shield.

It proved to be costly for Asraar as he lost on points to Lee Strang from the Eddie Egan Club in Wythenshawe.

Qasim Niaz had arguably the toughest test of the night when he took on Four Nations champions F McCrory from Clonoe and the 16-year-old put in an excellent performance before losing the Under 60kg bout on points.

Raja Afzal, aged 14, was another who impressed on the night but lost his Under 45kg contest to Danny Craven from Bridgefoot on points.

And in an all-East Lancs affair, Farhan Iqbal lost to J Ainsworth of Sandygate ABC from Burnley.

And it was a double delight for Sandygate as J Wilkinson beat beat Ben Mulligan from Middleton.

Just like Asraar Ali, 21-year-old Farhan paid the price for being penalised for ducking and lost the three round welterweight contest on points. Yaqoob Hussain, who organised the event as well as acting as judge and match-maker, was delighted with the night's action.

He said: "There were some fantastic performances on the night, not just by the boxers who won but those who did themselves proud in defeat.

"Shakeeb Ali and Rick McGregor both had impressive wins but Qasim Niaz deserves a special mention because he gave a good account of himself against a Four Nations champion.

"On the whole, it was a very successful night and we are now hoping to make it an annual event."