RICH Slattery came out on top in the battle of the local footballers at the latest Swindon RAW promotion held at the Premier Club.
In one of the most eagerly-anticipated fights of the 20-bout bill, Slattery saw off long-time rival Michael Corcoran in the pair’s middleweight contest.
It was Slattery, the shorter of the pair, who managed to impose his authority early on.
A salvo of unanswered blows prompted a count from referee Ricky Porter during the first round.
Then another barrage had Corcoran over before the end was signalled in the second session.
“That was exhausting but exhilarating, and I’m glad I gave it a go,” Slattery said afterwards.
Corcoran added: “Rich came out on top tonight but I want a re-match.”
The bout of the night was the heavyweight encounter between Scott Cadder and Alex Porvoc, which went the distance and was settled on points.
The former Walcot amateur and his Polish rival, with more than 100 previous encounters behind them, delivered a blockbuster for the large crowd. It was nip and tuck all the way to the bell, with Cadder finally getting the nod.
Elsewhere, Jack Baker battled bravely to edge out cage fighter Sean Sykes on points in their cruiserweight encounter.
Nathan Gough looked on course for victory but ran out of steam in his light middleweight clash with James Fisher.
In the same weight category, Keith Wesley was edged out by the more precise shots of Trowbridge rival James McQuinlin.
Former Walcot welterweight Ray Mudar proved too strong for Ahmed Waleed, representing the Broad Green Community Project, with referee Porter halting the bout in round one.
The battle of the big men saw Highworth’s Wayne Ralph start well before tiring, to give Trowbridge rival Luke Martin victory in their super heavyweight clash.
The event benefited the Open Door Centre, which helps adults with both physical and mental learning difficulties, and is based at St Barnabas Church Hall in Gorse Hill.
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