Paul McCloskey got back on the winning trail with a convincing victory over American journeyman Manuel Perez in Belfast.
The man from Dungiven suffered a shock loss to DeMarcus Corley earlier in the year and at 33 is in 'last chance saloon'.
And Perez proved a perfect opponent for 'Dudey', being a durable foe lacking and punch power.
Perez came forward with a high guard allowing McCloskey to unload at will while reluctant to counter in the early rounds.
There were concerns that the home fighter would burn himself out and going into the second half of the fight as Perez came out of his shell, working well to McCloskey's body.
And although the Northern Irishman often dropped his hands despite being in range, Perez could do little to capitalise and it was McCloskey who came on strong again in the latter stages, picking off his opponent with accurate straight rights and left hooks.
"I had to prove people wrong tonight, I wanted to get back in as quickly as possible to see where we're at," he told Sky Sports.
"I won the fight comfortably, it wasn't my best performance but you have to be critical of yourself if you want to get somewhere.
"I had to rebuild myself very quickly. If I'm at my best I can beat anybody. That's how I feel and if you don't feel that way you shouldn't be in this business."
