Isaac Macleod coasts to easy win at Rainton Meadows Arena

Isaac Macleod celebrates his victory at Rainton Meadows Arena. Picture by Craig Leng

The unbeaten Sunderland star extended his winning run to seven bouts with a shut-out 60-54 points victory over the tough Sheffield opponent.

It was the 21-year-old’s first appearance for new coach Graeme Rutherford and trainer and boxer will have been happy with the first outing.

Macleod began life as a pro in a blaze of glory, fighting out of the Frank Warren camp while being guided by celebrated coach, Anthony Farnell, in the North West.

But the former world junior silver medallist is now back home and intent on climbing the ladder.

The extrovert Hardy might spend as much energy playing to the crowd as he does fighting but it was a good first rung for Macleod.

Not once was he distracted by any Hardy posturing and he produced a slick, disciplined performance, connecting accurately to the head and body, whether boxing from distance or close quarters.

Also on the Houghton card, Darren Surtees stopped Luke Keleher to clinch the International Classic Challenge Belt in just 89 seconds.

Hartlepool’s Peter Cope scored a four-round points success over Fonz Alexander, while Fishburn’s Gary Fox defeated Will O’Reilly.

Jay Hughes beat Youssef Al Hamidi on points.