Belfast boxer in 'pinch me' moment after swapping WWE wrestling for title glory

Belfast boxer Colm Murphy used to watch WWE wrestling at the SSE Arena. Now he's celebrating winning a professional title at the iconic venue.

Murphy claimed the Commonwealth Silver featherweight strap after a bruising victory over Scotland's Jack Turner on Friday night.

The bout was stopped by the referee in the 10th and final round due to severe cuts above both of Turner's eyes.

Read more: Conor Quinn, Pierce O’Leary LIVE fight updates from SSE Arena

Read more: 'I remember watching Rogan vs Fury at SSE, now I am the main act' - Conor Quinn

Murphy told Belfast Boxers afterwards: "I am just buzzing. I'll have to pinch myself and ask just what happened there.

"I am getting to box at the SSE Arena. It is just a dream come true at 24 years of age. I used to come here as a kid and watch WWE, and now I am winning titles here. I never thought I would be here."

Reflecting on his win, Murphy said: "I thought my performance was good. We stuck to the game plan.

"We knew Jack is a tidy boxer so we made him work a lot. We made it a bit rough. I didn't mean to cut him with a clash of heads, I never want to win that way.

"I wish I could have taken him out by stopping him, but he's tough. I let my hands go and the work rate was high. I had him hurt at stages and he kept trucking on, but we knew he'd slow down.

"Jack fought on (through the cuts) and it's a fight, so he deserved to carry on until he couldn't go anymore. Fair play to jack for bringing the fight."

Murphy revelled in the spotlight, featuring on a big Frank Warren Queensberry show at the SSE. He hopes it's a sign of things to come.

"If Frank is ever back here again, he knows I am an entertainer. I give fans their money's worth. I would love to step up and perform once again," he said.

"I will celebrate tonight but they will be pretty chilled. I will leave the madness to my family and friends because they are all headers, to be honest!

"But thanks to everyone who came out and supported me."

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox