Irish heavyweight Kevin McBride's gallant defeat by Germany's Axel Schulz in Berlin earned a glowing tribute from his conqueror yesterday. Schulz, who made three unsuccessful attempts to win the IBF world title against George Foreman, Frans Botha and Michael Moorer, said: "McBride punches harder than Foreman. I was surprised how strong and game he was."

The 6ft 7ins giant from Clones, 24, was stopped on his feet in the ninth round after being floored by a big right hand from Schulz in what the German Press described as one of the best heavyweight fights in recent years.

Frank Maloney, McBride's manager, said: "Although Schulz's experience told in the end, Kevin's performance proved to me he has the ability to make the grade.

"He's got some big paydays ahead now and this defeat against a world-class opponent did not do him any harm."