Boxing: Philbin's glee after victory over McKee

Lochend's crowd-pleasing middleweight Tommy Philbin pulled out all the stops to beat Fauldhouse opponent Robbie McKee by a tight majority points verdict last night in Kirkcaldy in front of a capacity ringiside crowd.

The bout had been moved from Alloa Town Hall to the Fife town's Dean Park Hotel and Philbin's triumph was hailed by Lochend coach Terry McCormack.

He said: "This was Philbin's third win over McKee so we knew the script in advance - a big body puncher charging forward flailing at Tommy's ribs and body but Tommy kept McKee at distance with stiff left jabs and uppercuts to take the 2-1 points verdict.

"Now we're looking forward to next Friday night when Tommy goes toe-to-toe with Renfrew's Scottish champion Brian Peacock.''

Meanwhile, McCormack praised his lightweight David Dickson, who may have narrowly lost his three-round ring war with Hillpark, Uddingston's Mike Stupart but, as the Lochend coach enthused: "David Dickson was awarded the 'Best Visiting Boxer' trophy which speaks volumes for his performance - even in defeat.''

Meanwhile, Aberdeen-based Kingswell club lightweight Elias Gear praised Lochend opponent Lewis Benson whom the Granite City boxer also outpointed, saying: "Benson gave me some problems but I enjoyed an overall edge over him which was reflected by the decision in my favour.''