By Owen Morgan
There were European celebrations in Cardiff as well as Madrid on Saturday night.
As Liverpool were sealing their sixth European Cup success in Spain, two Welsh boxers were securing their own continental glory at the Vale Sports Arena in Penarth.
Swansea’s Jay Harris claimed the vacant EBU European flyweight title against Spain’s Angel Moreno, while Blackwood’s Craig Evans successfully defended his WBO European lightweight title on the same bill.
Harris added the European title to his Commonwealth crown with an impressive performance against Moreno.
The Welshman dominated the fight throughout and earned a unanimous points decision with the judges scoring the contest 120-108, 119-109 and 117-111 in his favour.
A delighted Harris said afterwards: “This is what we fight for, to win titles. To win a title like this is brilliant and one of the best buzzes in the world.
“I still think I won every round and dominated. I’m glad I showed up and I think people will take notice of that performance.”
The #MTKFightNight event – broadcast live on ESPN+ and iFL TV – also saw fellow Welshman Evans taste European glory as he defended his title in a rematch against Stephen Ormond.
Evans repeated the victory he enjoyed on Irish soil back in 2017, as he earned a unanimous decision from the judges in Penarth.
There was also a domestic title up for grabs on Saturday night as Pontypool’s Kieran Gething looked to defend his Welsh area super-lightweight crown against Newport’s Craig Woodruff.
The champion did just enough to keep hold of his title with a narrow points decision, which he hopes will lead to a shot at the Commonwealth title in the near future.
A busy undercard featured some of the best emerging Welsh boxing talent, including Jacob Robinson’s latest outing.
The son of former featherweight world champion Steve Robinson chalked up the sixth win of his undefeated professional career with a points victory over experienced Nicaraguan Jose Aguilar.
There were also successes for Cardiff duo Maredudd Thomas and David White Jnr, Lance Cooksey, of Rhoose, Tonypandy’s Rhys Edwards and Newport’s Sean McGoldrick.