Douglas welterweight Mathew Rennie continued the unbeaten start to his professional boxing career in Liverpool recently.

The 21-year-old beat Josue Bendana on points to inflict a rare defeat on the experienced Nicaraguan.

Rennie, who has a record of five wins and one draw since turning pro in late 2018, is now expected to move up to six-round bouts from the four-round ones he has contested so far.

Speaking after the fight at the Eventim Olympia, Rennie said: ’I’m happy with that one. Everything I’ve been doing in training I put into practice in the ring.

’He was tough though - I was hitting him with big shots and he kept coming back. He’s fought some top, top pros in the past over eight rounds so I’ve got to be pleased with that result.’

Liverpool-based Rennie, whose previous fight came in October, admitted the encounter was another step up as he continues to learn his trade: ’Every fight I’ve had has been a step up in quality, but I’ve been working hard in the gym.’

The former Ballakermeen student was also quick to thank his sponsors and those Manxies who had made the trip to Merseyside to watch the bout.

The Commonwealth Youth Games silver medalist is looking forward to upping the length of his bouts in the future: ’I think you’ll see more of what I can do with the extra rounds.

’Four rounds is not enough time to put everything I’ve been working on into it.’

Like many professional sportsmen and women from the island and further afield, Rennie’s training regime has been hit by the social distancing restrictions brought in to try and curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Rennie said: ’I’m trying to stay positive and active. I’m mostly doing different types of runs from intervals to steady, long-distance ones.

’I’m also doing some home workouts in my flat with dumbbells and kettlebells, as well as themed shadow boxing. I’m trying to make the best of the situation.’

Looking ahead, the Manxman added: ’Hopefully this virus will blow over and I can get back to normality and get a date sorted for my next fight.

’I was expecting a busy season but now it’s just a waiting game, but everyone is in the same boat. Fingers crossed it won’t be long till it’s over.’