Wilson KO shocks Kelly as McKee wins on PFL debutImage source, PFL MediaImage caption, Following the victory, Jay-Jay Wilson called out Briton Alfie Davies, saying he wants to “finish him to be in line for a title”ByJohn McGovernBBC Sport NI Contributor, AtSSE Arena BelfastPublished34 minutes agoJay-Jay Wilson stunned the Belfast crowd with a devastating first-round knockout of Donegal’s Darragh Kelly, handing the Irishman his first professional defeat in just 37 seconds.’The Moville Mauler’ Kelly was stopped by seventh-ranked lightweight Jay-Jay Wilson in the main event at PFL Belfast.Wilson had originally been scheduled to face Derry’s Paul Hughes, but the bout was rearranged after Hughes withdrew with a knee injury.
The New Zealander, who was returning from a defeat by Archie Colgan last October, slipped Kelly’s early jabs before landing a left kick and following up with a powerful left hook that ended the contest almost immediately, silencing the SSE Arena.
“I landed the side kick, set my base and once I saw it connect I sat on the hook, and that was all she wrote,” stated Wilson after the victory.
Despite entering as the away fighter, Wilson embraced the occasion and the crowd.
“Ireland, I love you guys… even though you were against me,” he stated, before targeting Alfie Davies for a potential June bout in San Diego.
Confident in his preparation, Wilson added: “I know what I’m capable of… I put my confidence in the work I do in the gym.”
The victory marked a significant moment for ‘The Maori Kid’, who also spoke about representing his background and inspiring others.
“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” he stated. “I want to lead the way for troubled youth.”
In the co-main event, Ballymena’s Rhys McKee marked his PFL debut with a hard-fought victory over Alex Lohore, earning a unanimous 30-27 decision after a competitive three-round contest.
Having been controlled early through grappling, McKee grew into the fight, finding success with his jab and striking in the second round.
The decisive moment came in the third, when McKee dropped Lohore with a right hand before finishing strongly to secure victory.
“It was unbelievable… what a night in Belfast,” McKee stated.
“All I wanted was to be excited about fighting again and PFL answered.”
The 30-year-old, whose bout was only validated in March, admitted it was a challenge but never considered turning it down.
“When PFL asks you to fight in your home city, what can you say? You have to do it.”
McKee also reflected on the significance of competing in front of a home crowd.
“That will stay with me for the rest of my life. These nights are rare, you have to take them in.”
Looking ahead, he added: “I’m coming for the PFL rankings… put Rhys McKee up.”
