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IRISH-BORN CANADIAN MAKES
VICTORIOUS DEBUT IN NEVADA
Tuesday 10 September 2002
As far as boxing is concerned, Canada is rich in Heavyweight talent with fighters such as Sam Langford, George Chuvalo and Donovan Ruddock all enjoying success in the HBF. Tonight a 17 year-old Welterweight named Jimmy McLarnin showed that he could very well be the nation's greatest chance for glory in the International Boxing League as he scored a unanimous decision victory against Mexico's Rene Arredondo (60-54, 59-55, 60-54) at Reno's Silver Legacy Casino.
McLarnin was born in Belfast, Ireland, his family starting a new life in Vancouver when he was just three. There's little doubt that Irish fight fans will soon be wishing they hadn't because in McLarnin, Canada has a potential future World Champion. His efforts at the IBL's Toronto selection trials were mighty impressive and tonight's display against the willing but outclassed Arredondo showed they were no fluke. The babyfaced pugilist was simply too aggressive and determined for his opponent and controlled the bout more or less from the opening bell. McLarnin landed 152 of 548 punches (.277), Arredondo 90 of 260 (.346).
A shy young man by nature, McLarnin was hesitant and uncertain during the post-fight interview, a stark contrast to his demeanour in the ring. He may not be the most outgoing individual in the IBL, but there's no denying that he has the talent to go far in these regional qualifiers.
(to be continued)
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