17-year-old Irish amateur star reconsiders pro move

Irish underage star Brandon McCarthy has confirmed that he will NOT be turning pro.

Last month it was reported in local Kilkenny media that the 17-year-old would be turning pro but McCarthy has come out and claimed that nothing was ever definitive and that he has reconsidered his stance.

The bantamweight, a twelve-time Irish underage champion, remains eligible for Youth (U18) level next year but was said to be in talks with managerial outfits regarding a potential pro move.

McCarthy has confirmed that he had indeed been considering switching codes following a turbulent year for himself and the sport but he has decided to stay amateur and target the Olympic Games, should boxing stay on the agenda.

The St Michael’s Athy talent stated that “I’m staying amateur for another while yet and will be boxing in the U18s next year and continue to follow my dream to the Olympics.”

“I know there was talk of me turning professional and, yes, that was right but I had only considered it – [I] never expected it to be a big deal and be spread around as much as it was,” added the five-time European Championships competitor who only turns 18 in February and acknowledges now that he is not yet ready for the pros.

The European Schoolboys silver medallist outlined how “I’m only 17 years old and way too young to go professional and it was just one of those times where I didn’t know what was happening with amateur boxing and the unfortunate results I’ve had at international tournaments and if I wanted to stay in this corrupt system anymore.”

“But I can’t just let my dream of going to the Olympics go so I’m sticking around the amateur game and have postponed anything to do with professional boxing until the future.”

“Thanks for all the continued support from everyone and hopefully you’ll see me picking up my thirteenth Irish title next year.”