AS boxing shows go, the one at Darlington's Dolphin Centre had everything – an epic derby, a comeback which went badly wrong, a Trojan win, a few stoppages, two local debutants - and a non-event, the main one.

The epic derby saw Darlington-based Richard O’Neill suffer the first defeat of his professional career when opposing former stable-mate, Hartlepool’s Greg O’Neil, over six rounds.

It was to be a classic encounter which saw one O’Neill put on the canvas early on, both trade punches throughout, and the other O’Neil take a 59-56 point’s win from referee Kearney – it was a contest which had it all.

Afterwards, the victor, Hartlepool’s O’Neil, and trained by Peter Cope Snr, said: “We knew what was coming really and have the quality within to dig deep like that.

“Not many fighters could come back from a knock down like that and Richie is one of the most honest we know.

“It was business though and I’m a natural fighter where my experience and quality shone through as the contest wore on.”

The other O’Neill, understandably disappointed but unbowed, was adamant the result, despite the knockdown, should have got at least a draw from the contest.

The possibility of a rematch later in the year, likely over ten rounds for the Area strap, will have fans clamouring for tickets.

The Darlington fighter added: “It was a close fight really and from the third onwards, I thought I’d done enough.

“My reaction after the knockdown was more out of frustration really and, although I knew he was a heavy-handed fighter, we’ve not sparred for over a year and I probably showed him too much respect.

“He came to win and took what I had, it was more about my own self-belief than anything.”

A strong Darlington interest would see Troy Williamson ease to a second round stoppage success over Michael Mora, making light work of the Barcelona-based fighter and getting him out impressively.

Mark Downing impressed on a long- awaited pro debut when taking a points win over a last minute change of opponent whilst there was disappointment for the returning Chris Burton who suffered a 34 second, first round stoppage defeat against Romanian Gheorghe Danut.

Luke Cope got all four rounds under his belt on his debut when he dismissed Naheem Chaudry with a comfortable, classy outing.

And former world title challenger Martin Ward put in an impressive, workmanlike performance to get back on the upward curve with a six round points success over Jose Aguilar, the Barcelona-based fighter having come to fight and put on a sterling performance, weathering a vintage Ward as much as possible.

As for the main event, that’s in the hands of the Area Council following a miscommunication regarding the challenge belt which became unavailable at late notice. Fighters were offered the opportunity to contest an eight round bout and, although Ellis Corrie was willing to, Basi Razaq and his team were not.