[JCWeb]

April 19. 1916 -- Cow Palace, San Francisco -- Unbeaten LHW prospect Mike McTigue stepped into the limelight tonite in a bout for the vacant NABF Title against Bob "KO" Sweeney. McTigue's unbeaten mark and a 15-bout KO win streak was on the line against a very difficult, highly regarded opponent. After a couple of cautious opening rounds, Sweeney opened up in the third and caught McTigue with a vicious hook that sent the hopeful crashing to the canvas, the first time ever McTigue had been down. He was back up at the count of nine but seemed a little groggy and covered up to get through the round, exhibiting some telltale signs of swelling around the right eye at the end of the round. Sweeney tried unsuccessfully to follow up in round four, but by now McTigue seemed fully recovered and was giving ground grudingly. Sweeney, sensing he was ahead on points, eased up a bit in the middle rounds, and this let McTigue back into the action. A mouse began forming around Sweeney's right eye, further indications that McTigue was back on track. In round eight, though, Sweeney caught McTigue with a right hand that caused the Irishman's knees to buckle, but McTigue remained upright. Next round Sweeney delivers a devastating hook to the body but is cut above his left eye. Undeterred, Sweeney presses home with a devastating attack that leaves McTigue helpless against the ropes. The ref calls a halt to it. TKO in round 9 for Sweeney to capture the NABF belt. McTigue suffers his first career loss -- perhaps he overextended himself in seeking a title belt too early in his career?

A tremendous bout, nonetheless. Fight of the year candidate.