BUI authorise Maughan v Hutchinson Celtic Warrior title fight

While it might not be the Irish title that they both crave, John Hutchinson [7(1)-2(0)-2] and Terry Maughan [10(0)-6(6)-1] will fight for an Irish belt next year.

This afternoon the Boxing Union of Ireland authorised a Celtic Warrior (the BUI’s secondary belt) title fight between the two light middleweights. The clash will play out over eight rounds with the winner taking home the aestetically pleasing belt and, more importantly, being made mandatory challenger for the Irish title – which is currently held by Pauly Upton [12(2)-0].

A date for the fight has not been confirmed, but it looks most likely to took place on a Carl Greaves-promoted show in Maughan’s home city of Nottingham in and around St Patrick’s Weekend next year.

Between them, Hutchinson and Maughan have thrice challenged unsuccessfully for the full Irish title, with Donegal’s Huchinson being outpointed by Peter McDonagh while Maughan has been stopped by both Dee Walsh and Upton.

The pair are on friendly terms, and recently spoke to Irish-Boxing.com about their desire to co-operate in terms of logistics to secure a big domestic dust-up.

The intentions of champion Pauly Upton are unclear. Currently adjusting to new trainer Barry Smith, he has hinted that he may be relinquishing the belt in the near future as he moves up further through the ranks.