Bernard Dunne produced the most impressive performance of his career in the National Stadium tonight when he stopped Noel Wilders in the sixth round.
Former European bantamweight champion Wilders was expected to provide a good test for unbeaten Dunne but the Neilstown man turned it into a one-sided affair in Tallaght.
From the opening bell Dunne was on top and midway through the sixth two powerful body shots sent Wilders to the canvas.
Although the Castleford man got to his feet he could provide no answer to Dunne's further assault and as he backed up to the ropes the referee stepped in at two minutes and four seconds.
Dunne believes this was a significant step towards a showdown with European super bantamweight champion Michael Hunter later in the year.
The 25-year-old Dubliner produced a blistering pace from the start and never allowed Wilders to get into the fight.
Dunne's flashing, accurate blows were leaving Wilders bewildered and the former European champion, who had come out of a short retirement, must have wished he had not changed his mind.
By the third round, Wilders had sustained a nasty gash under his right eye and he continued to show the marks of battle as he gradually became an open target for Dunne's clinical combination punching.
Dunne's best work came in the fifth round, repeatedly landing hooks to body and head which had Wilders looking to cover up and hold on.
It seemed only a matter of time before Dunne would bring about the finish and he duly did in emphatic fashion.
Speaking on RTÉ Television after the fight, Dunne complimented Wilders, saying "he took some clean shots well, he was a fantastic opponent.'
He continued: "I was delighted with the win first and foremost, but it was fantastic to knock him out."
When asked about his next fight, he said: "I understand the press want to see me boxing the top guys, but it's a learning curve. But we need our patience, picking the right fights, and we will get a shot at Michael Hunter and the European title."
Dunne's manager Brian Peters echoed this sentiment saying that he wants to close in on a clash with European champion Hunter.
"That was a fine performance from Bernard against a tough opponent and I would like to think within the next six to nine months Bernard will be in with Hunter," said Peters.
"Bernard showed a lot of class and a lot of maturity which pleased me a lot and the future certainly looks bright."
