CORK welterweight Noel Murphy is in an ‘empire’ state of mind, after dominating Adam Mate at a packed Neptune Stadium on Saturday night.

The Macroom southpaw is eyeing up a fight in New York, after racking up the 14th win of his 16-bout career and his first professional victory in his home town.

Murphy’s fans were out in force to watch their man post a 79-74 points win over the experienced Hungarian, over eight rounds.

The vacant Boxing Union of Ireland belt was taken off the table for Saturday’s main event, after two Dublin opponents said they’d take the fight, but then withdrew.

Murphy, his manager, Kevin Crowley, and coach, Tom Power, voiced their frustration at the withdrawals, with Mate named as a late replacement.

The Budapest native was game enough in the main event on the Leeside Revolution promotion, but there was no stopping 25-year-old Murphy in his own backyard.

Crowley, who was working Murphy’s corner with Power at the Neptune, said that they will probably fight in New York next.

Murphy admitted he was blown away by the support and was delighted to give his fans something to cheer, in the first pro promotion in Cork in almost a decade.

“I had better fitness and technique. He was tough and a bit game, at times, but most of the time he was just surviving and it is very hard to fight someone like that,” he said.

“It will (next fight) probably be in New York. A lot of fighters said they wanted to fight (at the Neptune), but you can’t take a chance on them anymore.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere, a brilliant night. We’re going to sit down and talk to Kevin and see where we’re going. I would like to thank everyone for their incredible support.”