15 fight night photos as Murphy takes Commonwealth title and Carnmoney's Smith wins again

Following the sell-out success of ‘Thriller at The Mill’ in November 2025, the Newtownabbey venue once again welcomed a packed house, delivering another unforgettable evening of sport. The unbeaten star (16-0), from south Belfast, rose to the occasion, defeating the highly regarded African champion Saleh Kassim Abdalla of Tanzania to secure the title.

The victory propels Murphy into the top 15 of the world rankings across the four major governing bodies and confirms his status as a leading contender on the global stage. His win also paves the way for a blockbuster all-Ireland clash with Dublin’s Jono Carroll, now set for March at the 3Arena, where the vacant IBO World Super Featherweight Championship will be contested.

The co-main event saw Carnmoney favourite Kyle Smith make a successful return to Theatre at The Mill, further building on his growing reputation after previously announcing himself at the venue with a first-round stoppage victory. The undercard showcased the depth of local boxing talent, with strong performances from: Hijjah McMahon (Belfast); Gerard Hughes (Ballycastle); Carlos Pereira (Ballymena).

Theatre at The Mill extends its thanks to MHD Promotions, Bet McLean and R Kings Competitions for their continued partnership and to the fighters, officials and supporters who contributed to another successful event.