English heavyweight John Joyce got the British franchise off to the perfect start as he stopped Matteo Modugno in the fourth round after using his jab to open a cut above the experienced Italian's left eye and give the home side an early lead.

Welsh star Andrew Selby (pictured top) then delighted the home crowd as the World Championship silver medallist defeated Italy's Daniele Limone at bantamweight to extend the Lionhearts' lead to 2-0.

"It was tricky at first but by the third round I started to get my shots off and I felt I was getting stronger," said Selby.

"It was great to have the home support and I was just pleased to put on a performance and get a win for myself and the team."

Ireland's light-heavyweight Joe Ward then secured victory for the Lionhearts with a convincing defeat over Imre Szello on points.


The only disappointment of the evening came when Ireland's London 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist John Joe Nevin was shockingly beaten by Serbia' Branimir Stankovic at lightweight via a split decision.

Nevin had been overwhelming favourite going into the bout but in a thrilling contest, Stankovic just edged the contest to get a point on the board for Thunder.

But Stankovic's surprise win proved the only highlight for the reigning champions as London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Fred Evans of Wales defeated Michel Tavares by split decision in the middleweight category to send the fans home happy.

"It was great to be back in front of my home crowd and I was just delighted to secure the win as I have not been back in training for too long," said Evans.

"I enjoyed the new format and I will only get stronger in the World Series of Boxing once I get back to top-level fitness."

The win comes after the Lionhearts defeated the USA Knockouts 4-1 in California in their first match earlier this month and underlines their status as one of the early favourites for the overall crown in what is season three of the competition.

The next fixture for the British Lionhearts is away to the Astana Arlans Kazakhstan next month on December 7.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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