Peter McGrail ensured smiles remained on the faces of Everton supporters as he continued his unbeaten start to life in the professional ranks.
Lifelong Blues fan McGrail spoke in the week about how he hoped he and Sean Dyche’s side could both pick up big victories on Saturday.
And just hours after the Blues claimed a huge three points against Brentford at Goodison Park, McGrail outclassed Nicolas Botelli at the M&S Bank Arena.
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“I was watching little bits on the phone in our room,” McGrail said when asked if he had been keeping tabs on events at Goodison.
"When the final whistle went and I knew we won I was made up. I know my dad had a few of his mates coming down who go to the match and I know they would have been coming in good spirits.
“I had a few messages as well [in the build-up] saying hopefully the Blues get the win and then you get a win. I’m happy I kept the smiles and cheers going.”
Although the fight went the full 10 rounds, the 26-year-old simply had too much for his Argentine opponent, who he hurt on a number of occasions throughout the 30 minutes of action.
One of Merseyside's most decorated amateur boxers, McGrail immediately found his range in the fight and wasted no time in landing a number of left hands from his southpaw stance.
By the end of the second round, Botelli had blood running from his nose, but to his credit, he managed to stay on his feet for the duration of the bout.
Steve Gray, Ron Kearney and Marcus McDonnell, the three judges sitting at ringside, all scored the contest 100-90 in favour of McGrail.
“I wouldn’t go as far as saying I needed it [the full 10 rounds] because I get it in the gym, but it is very, very good to have it in the ring in a proper fight,” McGrail said.
“Obviously another win on a show in Liverpool. I think that makes it five out of five in Liverpool so it is going well.
“I am happy with a good 10 rounds against a solid opponent. It is all good experience for me and I am looking forward to cracking on now."
McGrail, who was making his Matchroom debut, was then asked what was next and said: “I got out the ring injury free and hopefully I can get out as soon as possible.
“I’m not too sure at the minute, but I am pretty sure they can get me out as soon as possible as they are quite busy with the shows. I will be asking if I can get out as soon as possible and keep building on that performance and I am sure I will.”
Elsewhere on the undercard, Paddy Lacey made eight wins in a row in the professional ranks after beating fellow Liverpool fighter James McCarthy 60-54.
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