Gary Cully Continues Comeback with Unanimous Decision Over Francesco Patera

In his second outing since suffering his first professional defeat, Gary Cully showcased his resilience and determination by securing a unanimous decision victory over Francesco Patera. This bout, featured on the undercard of the highly anticipated Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall rematch, was another critical step in Cully’s comeback journey.

After his shocking loss to Jose Felix, where he was stopped inside three rounds, Cully made significant changes to his career. The 28-year-old lightweight joined forces with Joe McNally in Liverpool, securing a contentious split decision victory over Reece Mould. However, seeking further stability and comfort, he eventually returned to Ireland to train under Niall Barrett.

Entering the ring with a record of 18-1 (10 KOs), the 6ft 2in southpaw faced Francesco Patera, a seasoned opponent with a 29-5 (11 KOs) record and two EBU lightweight titles. The fight promised to test skill and strategy, with Cully looking to re-establish his dominance in the lightweight division.

From the opening bell, Cully employed his height and reach advantage, moving fluidly around the ring and using his jab to keep Patera at bay. The Italian, known for his toughness and technical ability, responded by trying to close the distance and work Cully’s body whenever they were in close quarters. Patera’s right hand found occasional success over the top, but Cully’s movement and combination punching kept him in control during the early rounds.

As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Patera began to find his rhythm, capitalizing on Cully’s reduced punch output and gaining ground. The Italian’s persistence and work rate posed a challenge, forcing Cully to adapt. By the eighth round, Cully regained momentum, bloodying Patera’s nose and landing clean shots as Patera started to tire. Despite finding opportunities to press for a stoppage, Cully maintained a measured approach, focusing on securing a points victory.

After ten rounds of competitive action, the judges delivered their verdict. The scores of 98-92, 96-94, and 96-94 all favoured Cully, awarding him a unanimous decision victory. This win boosted his record to 19-1 and earned him the WBA Continental lightweight title, marking a significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey.