JACK Catterall moved a step closer to a world title fight after a unanimous victory over Tyrone McKenna in Belfast on Saturday night.
The Chorley boxer floored his opponent twice on his way to a win which was scored 95-91, 94-93 and 94-93 on the scorecards.
The result means Catterall retains his WBO Inter-Continental Super-Lightweight title and remains undefeated.
El Gato has also put himself in the frame for a showdown with fellow Brit Ohara Davies later this year with the winner of that potential bout likely to get a shot at a world title.
Catterall, 24, floored McKenna twice in the first half of their 10 round contest at the SSE Arena on Saturday night and also opened a nasty cut above the Irishman's eye as he sought an early finish.
But the home favourite stuck to his task to take the bout the distance but it was Catterall who prevailed on the cards.
Catterall now has a perfect 22 wins from 22 fights.
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