The damage to Hughes’ eye could be seen as he prepared to take another beating heading into the fifth, and it seemed O’Hagan was already considering pulling his man out. Hughes was allowed to continue, but O’Hagan was watching closely with the towel in hand. It was again a tough session for Hughes once more, with O’Leary again bullying him around the ring. O’Leary was enjoying himself, seemingly knowing that it was only a matter of time before he secured the finish. As both men returned to their corners, O’Hagan had already made his mind up and broke the news to Hughes that he was going to call it. Hughes looked deflated as the bout was waved off, and now at 29-9-2 (6 KOs) and 36 years, it could be the last time we see Hughes in the ring.
