OLDHAM boxer Jack Kilgannon suffered the first defeat of his professional career on Saturday after stepping in as a late replacement in Newcastle.

In his 12th outing, the 26-year-old was stopped by Zak Chelli in the sixth round.

The stoppage came after a clash of heads left Chelli with a cut on the hairline, before an overhead right knocked Kilgannon out towards the end of the round.

It was naturally disappointing for the Oldham man after stepping in to replace Diego Costa, who was unable to make the required weight safely at short notice.

Already training for a scheduled bout in Wigan the same night, former Central Area Champion Kilgannon, known as Jacky Boy, jumped at the opportunity for a bigger fight on a huge bill live on TV on Sky Sports.

And speaking before the bout, Oldham’s middleweight said: “I weighed up the risk versus the reward and this was too big an opportunity to turn down.

“I was in training for a fight in Wigan so I’m fit and ready to fight and then the offer came in to my manager.

“I’m a big and tall middleweight so super-middle is comfortable for me.

“It’s a huge opportunity live on Sky Sports to make my name by beating Chelli, who’s good but not outstanding. We’re coming to win.”

Unfortunately for Kilgannon, that win did not transpire but he is due back in the ring in June where he will be looking to get back to winning ways.