Perfect start for Kilburn boxer Higgins

Highly-rated Kilburn boxer Alan Higgins enjoyed the perfect professional debut, stopping Emmanuel Moussinga in the first round at York Hall.

Backed by around 200 fans at the iconic Bethnal Green venue, the 23-year-old middleweight twice staggered his opponent with crunching shots.

He then unleashed a barrage of punches that prompted the referee to step in with three seconds of the round remaining.

“I’m delighted – I didn’t expect to stop him in the first round as he’s usually a durable guy,” Higgins told West London Sport.

“He was unhappy with the stoppage but to be honest I thought it could have been stopped earlier.

“With it being my debut I did feel a bit tense, but once I got out there and heard the crowd cheering me it settled me down.

“It’s a good start for me. Now I’m hoping to fight again in six to eight weeks.”