McIntyre: That was for my grandfather

Joel McIntyre dedicated his win to his grandfather. Picture: Neil Marshall

And there were words of praise for his defeated rival Miles Shinkwin as McIntyre targeted a British title shot.

It’s been an emotional period for the light-heavyweight following the death of his grandfather, Albert Williams, at the age of 85.

Williams was a father figure to McIntyre growing up and a big boxing influence.

He stated Saturday’s 10-round victory was for him.

McIntyre said: ‘I’m ecstatic and there’s a great deal of relief as well. I’m on cloud nine.

‘It’s dedicated to the man. I know he’s watching me.

‘Every time I’m throwing a shot he’s throwing it with me.

‘It’s dedicated to the man, but it’s also dedicated to my boy and everyone who’s been part of this.

‘It’s been a proper, proper team effort.

‘Everyone has pulled together. I’ve been a small fraction of the whole thing.

‘Everyone has been building a machine. I’m glad I was able to execute and get the result for them.

‘I think the emotions of what’s happened will catch up with me at some point.

‘They nearly did in the ring but I had to be ruthless.’

Despite there being needle between the pair in the build-up to the rematch, McIntyre had words of praise for Shinkwin’s resolve.

He stated he was open to a third contest between the pair but sparring partner Frank Buglioni seems a natural target after he took Hosea Burton’s British title on the Anthony Joshua undercard.

McIntyre said: ‘I was disappointed not to get the stoppage but he’s no mug.

‘I landed some good shots and I hurt him a good few times.

‘He is durable and, as much as he can be an idiot, he does have heart.

‘He’s a tough man. If he gets hurt he bites down on his gumshield and he fights back.

‘I hit him and he came back, but if you’re buzzed you’re buzzed.

‘Fair play to the man but I had too much for him and executed the plan.

‘I’d have a trilogy with him. I’d do it for the fact I’d fight anyone.

‘But I don’t know if it’ll happen straightaway.

‘I don’t know if I should give an immediate rematch when I had to wait two-and-a-half years.

‘It would be nice to make a defence, but who knows?

‘The British title is out there and I looked out for the result of that contest with interest.’