Gorey-born Niall Kennedy suffered the first defeat of his career on Saturday night after coming up short against Devin Vargas at the MGM Springfield.

Kennedy went into the bout with an impressive record of 13-0-1 (8 knockouts) but tasted defeat at the hands of the 39-year-old former Olympic team captain.

Vargas fought for America in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and has gone toe-to-toe with current heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr.

The Wicklow-based Garda from Willow Park, Gorey, displayed plenty of aggression and force but suffered a number of crucial blows in the fourth and fifth rounds in Boston, with the referee forced to intervene with four seconds of the fifth remaining.

“No excuses beaten by a better man, for all the best wishes and good will in the world. I just was not at Devin’s level. Heartbroken but I am blessed and grateful for all the support and my beautiful family,” said Kennedy afterwards.