ANTHONY OGOGO crashed to a shock defeat tonight against Craig Cunningham.
In what was supposed to be a comfortable night’s work for the London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, Ogogo fell to his first defeat since turning professional.
Ogogo was shook to the core in the second round, and sank to the canvas after a fierce right hook from the local fighter.
This got the Birmingham Arena crowd on their feet for their man who looked to cause a huge upset.
While Ogogo managed to survive that onslaught, he couldn’t get his shots flowing throughout the fight, appearing to struggle against the southpaw.
Time and time again, Cunningham's left hand got through Ogogo's defence, while the right hook was always a danger.
As the fight wore on, Ogogo looked tired and was blowing. The 27-year-old was eventually pulled out by his corner during the eighth round.
It is believed Ogogo was suffering with "blurred vision" as a result of the onslaught from Cunningham, who picked up the WBC International title.
Craig Cunningham - Now you know him
Age - 28
Born - Birmingham
Fight record - Won 17 (4 KOs) Lost 1
Turned professional - December 20, 2011
Stance - Southpaw
After the fight, Cunningham said he was "top of the world" after the surprise victory.
"I love been the underdog, nothing phases me, I just want to get in there and win big titles," Cunningham told Sky Sports ringside.
"From the first round we had to check how quick he actually was. I wasn't going to stand there, I felt like I was beating him to the jab.
"Nothing was phasing me. I know my knockout record isn't great, but when I catch someone, they are going to go.
"I didn't want to rush in and get caught by silly shots, stick to the gameplan, counter-punch and get the job done."
Cunningham went on to say he wants to "get to the top" and "take Birmingham with me".
Ogogo's defeat was met with similar disbelief on social media, with many believing he may have under-estimated his oppononent.
And Paddy Barnes, the Olympic boxer who has just turned professional, hit out at Ogogo for not having "a high guard".
Huge win for Cunningham over Ogogo.. Main event coming next
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) October 22, 2016
Other speculated that at the age of just 27, Ogogo's career could even be over.
Promoter Eddie Hearn described it as a "huge win", while Liverpool boxer Paul Smith, who was commentating on the fight, believed Ogogo's eye to be "swollen".
In the main event of the night, Sam Eggington defeated Frankie Gavin in an explosive encounter.
The two had become embroiled in a war of words pre-fight, not least as Egginton was furious that his opponent had failed to make the weight.
But the talking stopped when the bell rang, and it was Eggington who prevailed in brutal fashion with an eighth-round stoppage.
After the fight Gavin, whose career has really hit a crossroads, said he fancies a rematch, which most of the locals in the Birmingham Arena would lick their lips at.
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