Belfast - Cheavon 'Chev' Clarke took a step up in class against former European cruiserweight champion Tommy McCarthy and the 2020 Olympian turned in a career best performance.

The explosive and aggressive Clarke got down to business straight away and hurt McCarthy with the first left hook he threw. McCarthy composed himself well and popped out his jab while Clarke set a high pace. 

Clarke shot out for the second round, bulling McCarthy back to the ropes and using his familiar angles to step around McCarthy with hooks and uppercuts. Again, McCarthy bided his time and used his experience. When the storm died down, he smartly boxed his way back into the round. Backing away and looking to catch Clarke as he came forward. One particular right uppercut sent the sweat spraying off Clarke’s head.

Clarke had the inside fight he wanted but surprisingly McCarthy seemed happy to stay with him. He was fighting a losing battle however and Clarke broke through at the end of the round, stunning McCarthy with a right uppercut and following it by turning a right hook over the top. McCarthy was definitely hurt and Clarke watched him slowly make his way back to his corner,

Aware he had his man hurt, Clarke stormed out for the fourth . He couldn’t miss with his right hand and landed a beautiful right uppercut before another right hook clubbed McCarthy to the canvas. The home fighter got to his feet but could offer no offence and covered up while Clarke bullied him around the ring. Eventually, he found himself stuck on the ropes and Clarke pounded away until referee Steve Gray stopped the fight. 

The official time was 1.28 of round number 4. Clarke moves to 8-0 and scored his sixth knockout. He collected the WBA Inter Continental title. McCarthy (20-6, 10 KO’s) will have some decisions to make about his future.