Fight nights are usually about promise and progression, especially when a decorated amateur finally steps into the professional ranks.
But this particular boxing debut sparked more disbelief than celebration, as fans watching from home struggled to understand what they were seeing unfold in the ring.
Kiaran MacDonald Steps Into the Pro Ranks
Commonwealth Games silver medalist Kiaran MacDonald made his long-awaited professional debut at 28, appearing on the undercard of Josh Kelly’s IBF light-middleweight title clash with Bakhram Murtazaliev.
For MacDonald, it was meant to be a steady first step into pro boxing — a chance to shake off nerves, get rounds in, and begin building momentum.
A Veteran Opponent Raises Eyebrows
Standing opposite him was Lithuanian fighter Marius Vysniauskas, a 39-year-old veteran whose career has taken a very different path.
While it’s normal for debutants to face experienced journeymen, fans immediately questioned whether this matchup crossed the line from routine to ridiculous.
Size, Age, and a Very Uneven Visual
Once the bell rang, the optics did little to calm the criticism.
MacDonald looked noticeably bigger and more powerful, dominating exchanges and dishing out sustained punishment.
Even though official listings show Vysniauskas as slightly taller — 5ft 6in to MacDonald’s 5ft 5in — the reality inside the ring told a completely different story.
Social Media Reacts in Real Time
Viewers wasted no time voicing their shock online.
Comments ranged from sarcastic to outright confused, with one fan joking, “Whose dad is he fighting?”
Another questioned how the bout was even approved, while others openly wondered if they were watching an exhibition rather than a sanctioned contest.
The general consensus was blunt: the matchmaking didn’t sit right.
Credit Where It’s Due
Despite taking heavy shots throughout the fight, Vysniauskas showed grit and resilience, lasting the distance and making it to the final bell.
Even critics tipped their hats to his toughness, with one fan admitting, “Fair play to that lad, he can really take a punch.”
A Win for MacDonald, Another Loss for the Veteran
The judges awarded MacDonald a clear points victory, giving him a winning start to his professional career.
For Vysniauskas, however, the result extended a brutal run — 28 consecutive defeats following an early career stretch that once showed promise with three straight wins.
A Relentless Schedule Raises Concerns
The Lithuanian veteran has remained incredibly active despite his struggles, even fighting five times in just six months back in 2024.
That level of frequency, combined with his losing streak, only added fuel to the debate around fighter welfare and responsible matchmaking.
The Bigger Picture on the Night
While MacDonald’s debut stole online attention for all the wrong reasons, the main event belonged to Josh Kelly, who claimed the IBF light-middleweight title with a majority decision victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev.
What Comes Next?
For MacDonald, the focus now shifts to smarter matchmaking and meaningful development as his professional journey begins.
For boxing fans, the bigger question lingers — will moments like this finally push promoters and regulators to rethink where opportunity ends and exploitation begins?
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn