Czech super-lightweight Jan Marsalek was carried from the ring on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to hospital after being knocked out in the second round by a huge left hook by Pierce O’Leary on the MTK Global show in Bolton.
The unbeaten Irishman was dominating the action with some flashy combinations, but matters entered abruptly in the dying seconds of round two as he measured Marsalek with a huge left hook that dropped him on his face, referee Jamie Kirkpatrick calling an end to the action instantly to allow Marsalek, who looked to be unconscious, instant medical attention.
Marsalek was taken from the ring on a stretcher, although he appeared to be talking to his trainer. The time of the finish was 2:32.
Marsalek regained consciousness in the changing room before being taken to hospital as a precaution.
“I wish him a speedy recovery and make sure he gets home to his family,” O’Leary said. “Boxing is a tough sport.
“It was one of the best punches of my career.”
Marsalek, 33, now has an 8-4 record. He was boxing for the first time since he dropped Kelvin Davis in the first round before losing on points in Texas last month.
