Martin Harkin clinched the Celtic welterweight title in emphatic fashion at the weekend with a devastating fourth-round knockout over Ally Black at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow.

The 27-year-old has been patient over the last six months with numerous postponements and call-offs but he put all that behind him in some style on Friday night with as convincing a performance as you’re likely to see.

Harkin dominated from the off with his controlled jab and solid defence taking the first round.

Black came out with a bit more intent in the second round but the Dumbarton star’s power was clearly evident with a powerful overhand right catching the top of Black’s head and sending him crashing into the canvas via a tangle in the ropes.

Black did well to regain his composure and keep himself in it in the third but it was a case of when not if Harkin would land again with a barrage of vicious body shots and uppercuts doing even more damage as the round went on.

Harkin told Reporter Sport last week that he wanted to make a statement while winning the title and he did just that midway through the fourth round when an incredible left dropped Black with the referee not even bothering to give him a count, waving it off immediately in order to get the doctor and paramedics in as soon as possible as Harkin celebrated in front of his supporters.

Read more: Martin Harkin finally set for that elusive Celtic title shot

“I’m honestly over the moon,” Harkin said after lifting the Celtic title. “It has been a frustrating six months for me with the call-offs but I knew it would all be worth it as I was so motivated to get in the ring and put on a good performance. I never actually expected to win in that fashion but it just made it that bit sweeter.

“I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to go in there and get the knockout. I didn’t force it but I was making sure I won it convincingly and I’m just so thankful it ended in that fashion. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.

“I’m not the type of boxer to sit back anyway, I’m the type to get in there and drag whoever is across from me into a dog fight. I can box as well but I prefer to go for it. People spend a lot of money to come to these fights and they want a good night so I want to give them a show. If I go to a show or buy a PPV then I want to get my money’s worth so hopefully I can continue to deliver exciting fights.

“I had four back-to-back camps and had been training non-stop since October so I was motivated to get in the ring and make a statement - all of the call-offs worked in my favour in the end I think.”

And, with the Celtic title now his, Harkin has already begun looking ahead, targeting British welterweight champion Chris Jenkins and insisting that he’s now a step above Scottish level.

“Winning the belt actually makes me hungrier and more determined to do even better,” he continued. “I want to do even better in my next fight and climb up to even bigger titles after this.

“I think Scottish level is behind me now so I want to push on and get into contention for the British title.

“I’d love to get the chance at Chris and take his belt off him or whoever is holding it at the time, that’s my goal.”

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