Christina Desmond puts in a superb performance on her pro debut to stop Joanna Fraszczak

Cork professional boxer Christina Desmond put in a superb performance to win her debut fight and stop Polish fighter Joanna Fraszczak in the second round of their Welterweight bout in a JB Promotion event at the National Arena on Friday night.

Desmond had a stellar amateur career where she collected 19 Irish titles across various grades and levels and represented Ireland with distinction, winning medals at European and World championships.

The 29 year-old  southpaw was coming into new territory as a professional fighter for the first time and had a huge support from the Rebel county shouting her on, however, one notable supporter in the crowd was her former Ireland teammate Kelly Harrington and her family at ringside cheering her every punch.

Desmond started the fight on the front foot and had her opponent in trouble when she rained down a flurry of heavy shots to Fraxzczak’s head and body. 

She soon got into her stride and led behind her right jab, however, Desmond rocked the Polish fighter with a punishing left hook to the body and followed up with a good combination to the head and body that made her opponent wince in pain. 

Desmond finished the round with Fraxzczak caught in the corner and the sound of the bell was a welcoming sound for the Polish fighter.

Desmond started the second round with the same intensity and had Fraxzczak in trouble again with a powerful left shot to the head. 

The Cork fighter now was in total control of the fight and when she left her hands go to land a string of punishing shots, the referee had very little choice but to stop the fight to save Fraxzczak from more punishment.

This was a really standout performance by Desmond that will surely make her professional counterparts pay attention, as she looks to have a very bright future in her journey as a professional boxer.

Christina was delighted to get her first professional fight out of the way and she is looking forward to get back in the ring again before Christmas.

“Overall, I’m really happy with my performance and to get my first pro fight out of the way,” Christina said after her fight.

“I was a little nervous when I first came into the ring, but once I threw my first punch, I quickly began to let my boxing take over. 

"This was a completely new experience for me, however, fighting on the big stage regularly during my amateur career real stood to me out there.

“I can’t believe the support I had tonight.

"The noise was incredible and seeing my great friend Kelly and the Harrington family at ringside gave me a huge lift.

“I hope to stay busy and have another fight before Christmas, and to be honest, I would fight tomorrow if I could,” said a very happy Desmond.