Aiden Metcalfe aims to prove doubters wrong in Allan Phelan title clash

They might add 10 pounds to most but the TV cameras are going to add 10 rounds worth of fuel into the tank of Aiden Metcalfe claims the boxer ahead of BUI Celtic title fight with Allan Phelan.

The Dubliner fights over eight rounds for the vacant super featherweight crown on the March 30th ‘Clash of the Titans’ bill at the National Stadium and is promising to prove his doubters wrong.

The sibling of top amateurs Evan Metcalfe and Courtney Daly has received criticism for his two pro performances to date.

On both occasions questions were raised over his fitness, with Metcalfe [2(0)-0] struggling in four rounders versus Poles Damian Lawniczak and Krysztof Rogowski, but he is adamant he won’t be found lacking in that department this time around, suggesting he can’t look bad live on TG4.

“You will see a different Aiden Metcalfe on the night, I’ll be much better than my last two fights, It’s on telly I can’t make a show of myself now can I?” he told Irish-Boxing.com

“People are saying I lack experience and others are saying I struggle can’t do four rounds, but they will see on the night. I am going to prove those doubters wrong.” Metcalfe continued before detailing his intense preparations.

“This camp has been my best. I am doing 10 rounds fine. I have been high altitude training three times a week. It’s the first time I have done that and it has made a difference.”

The Crumlin BC graduate admits he wasn’t as dedicated as he should have been ahead of his early bouts. However, claims he has all the motivation needed ahead of this one.

Not only will there be a degree of spotlight on him, but there is a title on the line and a fellow Irish fighter in the opposite corner.

“I am not cutting any corners,” he adds before reflecting his pro career to date.

“I was training for nobodies then, now I have a title in front of me and a tough opponent in Allan Phelan, you can’t cut corners. It’s a big title fight and I am going to be ready.

“I am really excited. A big fight with a belt on the line, this is what your in the game for. The winner of this then fights for the Irish title. An Irish title is more than you dream of so there is a lot on the line and to make you train harder.”

Metcalfe could be deemed fortunate to have been handed such a chance so early in his career, especially having not fought over six yet. Indeed, some believe it is not a wise move to make an early jump – but he claims it is a chance he was never going to turn down.

The 24-year-old explained how “it’s just my third fight and it’s straight into a title fight. It was a no brainer taking it. I said at the end of last year that I wanted titles this year and here I am straight into a title fight.”

Metcalfe believes the fight will stand out on the domestic-filled Assassin and Boxing Ireland card.

The Dub wasn’t giving predictions but he did suggest Kildare’s Phelan [9(6)-3(1)-1], an aggressive fighter, will play into his hands.

“I don’t know too much about him but I know he will come forward, which will suit me down to the ground because I am a boxer. I think we be a good fight.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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Tickets for ‘Clash of the Titans’ cost €40 (general), €60 (ringside), and €100 (VIP) and are available from the boxers involved or Ticketmaster (CLICK HERE).