 Haughian however reversed that result last time out by outpointing his Italian rival decisively on a Bernard Dunne undercard in November 2008.The Co. Armagh boxer stepped up to the next level when he headlined a first ever pro fight night at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on Saturday, February 7, 2009, it was on this night that haughian became the Irish welterweight champion by stopping the champion Billy walsh from Cork in the third round.In January 2009 Haughian was nominated in the Prospect of the Year category at the irish-boxing.com National Boxing Awards.