Rogan wins first ever Prizefighter tournament - 10/07/2008

MARTIN Rogan is the first ever Prizefighter winner.

Rogan, who hails from Belfast, defeated Sunderland’s David Dolan in an amazing final that earned a standing ovation from a packed York Hall crowd.

After three breathless rounds, Rogan, who knocked Dolan down twice, secured a points victory by 29-25, 29-27 and 28-27 margins.It capped off a fantastic night’s entertainment as the spectators were treated to seven thrilling encounters, all in the space of two and a half hours.

Rogan, who was on the verge of quitting the sport due to a lack of available fights before being invited into the Prizefighter tournament, sunk to his knees as the judges decision was announced.

He has also won £25,000 but insisted the title and recognition in the sport was more important to him.

He said: “The money is nice but it will come and go. It’s all about the title for me and that will stay with me for ever. This is my equivalent of winning a world title.”

The event, which was organised by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sport and screened live on Sky Sports 1 was a huge success.

Each contest was fast and furious as all entrants attacked to try and earn a place in the next round. Matchroom Sport will now look to stage similar Prizefighter tournaments in the welterweight, middleweight and featherweight categories.

Rogan reached the final thanks to a second round stoppage of Alex Ibbs and a points triumph over David Ferguson, while Dolan had got past Darren Morgan and Paul Butlin, both on the judges scorecards.

The Prizefighter Series – Heavyweights

Results
Quarter-finals
1. David Ferguson (Wallsend) bt Billy Bessey (Portsmouth).
Points – 29-28, 29-27 and 28-27.

2. Martin Rogan (Belfast) bt Alex Ibbs (Stoke-on-Trent).
Referee stopped fight in round 2.

3. Paul Butlin (Melton Mowbray, Leics) bt Colin Kenna (Southampton).
Referee stopped fight in round 2.

4. David Dolan (Sunderland) bt Darren Morgan (Swansea).
Points – 30-26, 30-27, 30-27

Semi-finals
1. Martin Rogan (Belfast) bt David Ferguson (Wallsend)
Points – 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

2. David Dolan (Sunderland) bt Paul Butlin (Melton Mowbray, Leics).
Points – 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

Final
Martin Rogan (Belfast) bt David Dolan (Sunderland).
Points - 29-25, 29-27, 28-27.