KINGSWAY ABC’s Mike McCartney snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on Thursday, with a dramatic late stoppage on his return to action after almost 11 months out.

Boxing on Kirkby ABC’s show against a home club fighter, McCartney had stepped in at 24 hours notice.

This looked like a decision he would regret making as he found himself up against an opponent who utilised height and reach advantages to good effect, boxing well off the back foot behind accurate jabs, backhands and uppercuts.

There were signs towards the end of the second round that McCartney was beginning to catch up with his man.

Although appearing tired, McCartney came out for the final round knowing exactly what was required to take the win and pursued his opponent at speed around the ring, quickly pinning him down and launching a determined, sustained assault.

Several concussive shots landed as his opponent tried to step away from danger, forcing the referee to step in and give a standing eight second count. McCartney went straight back on the offensive in his efforts to end proceedings early and continued to land heavy punches.

As the hammer sounded to signal the final ten seconds of the round, the referee again stepped in to issue another standing eight count after which he stopped the contest, resulting in a win for McCartney with two seconds to spare which takes his record to four wins from five contests.