BOXING: Conrad Cummings comes up short against Ronny Mittag

The Shane McGuigan trained fighter lost on a split decision to Germany’s Ronny Mittag when the judges scored twice to Mittag 96-94, while the other gave it to Cummings 96-94.

Cummings fought well on the night and put on a mature and disciplined performance which will bode well for the future.

In the first round the German started well and caught Cummings with a good right hand and was using his jab well, while Cummings must learn to move his head more.

It was better from Cummings in the second as he stepped up the pace and he was using his jab more. He also landed a good right hand, but he still needs more head movement.

Cummings was closing the distance between Mittag and himself in the third and was starting to show what he can do.

In the fourth Cummings was starting to get to the German and it was another good round from the local lad.

The fifth was close with neither fighter really making an impact but Mittag looked as if he was running out of gas.

The sixth round started slowly but ended fast with both fighters trading blows right at the bell.

Round seven was more of the same with both fighters having their moments but Mittag landed some good shots, while Cummings was being less reckless than previous fights.

Cummings took round eight as he put Mittag under pressure by throwing two and three punch combinations. Good round from Cummings.

The Coalisland fighter was picking his shots well in the ninth and the German was starting to slow but Mittag caught Cummings with a good right at the bell.

Mittag knew he had it all to do in the last and gave it a go but it looked as if Cummings had done enough to win the fight.

And there was also disappointment for Paddy Gallagher in his British title eliminator against Tamuka Mucha on points. The judges scored it 95-95, 97-94, 97-94.