Aaron McKenna progressed to the semi-finals of a $1m Prizefighter series this morning after overcoming Jeovanny Estela with a dominant performance in Osaka.
In a battle of two unbeaten middleweight fighters, Monaghan's McKenna was aggressive and precise throughout against his Puerto Rican opponent and in truth the fight should have been brought to a close sooner before eventually the referee waved it off in the last minute of the tenth and final round.
McKenna will face experienced Englishman Kieron Conway in the semi-finals in October in Japan once again.
The tournament is organised by Matchroom Boxing with the lure of the major monetary prize as well as being in position to challenge for a world title come its conclusion.
McKenna, 24, had been looking for a breakthrough in his career after a series of frustrations.
He trained in Robert Garcia and Freddie Roach's gym for a year each in the US and has gained significant experienced in preparation for occasions such as today, including sparring pound-for-pound star Terrence Crawford.
The Smithborough fighter had one scare in the first round where he was caught by a strong Estela right-hand.
That was as good as it got for Estela with McKenna reeling off victorious rounds that saw him have constant success to the head and the body.
The bout became a formality from the fourth round with the Irishman demonstrating his considerable talent as he picked off shots with ease.
The closing rounds did not see McKenna let up as he stayed inside his man and inflicted significant punishment.
It looked as if Estela would see the final bell but the referee eventually stepped in with 70 seconds remaining.
He will share a $100,000 bonus with Conway who also stopped Ainiwaer Yilixiati in the quarter-final.
McKenna moves to 19-0 and a step closer to the million dollar prize.
He told DAZN in the ring afterwards: "I feel unreal. I feel very happy now, especially to get the knockout with the bonus. I knew every round he was slowly slowly gassing. Come the 10th round I knew it was end game and got it.
"Every fight I want the knockout bonus, this is the first one of three. I'm very happy to get it. You can see it makes the fights very exciting.
"I'll use the bonus to prepare for my next camp, investing in myself, to get world class sparring. I'll go wherever the sparring is. I'm very happy to fight in Japan in front of all the Japanese fans and thanks to all the Irish at home for supporting me and getting up early to watch me. I appreciate it."
