Carl McDonald on turning pro – “Why not now?”

There is an infectious excitement to Carl McDonald ahead of his October 8th debut.

Ireland’s newest pro hasn’t been tainted by the disappointments that can come with the paid game, and confesses he is ‘living’ for his pro debut.

The Eddie Hyland and Tommy McCormack-guided novice, who fights a to be confirmed opponent on MHD Promotions’s ‘Another Level’ show in Belfast, is itching to the get in the ring and show Irish fight fans what he can do.

“I am living for it,” McDonald told Irish-boxing.com about his debut.

“I honestly can’t wait. I got 100 per-cent confirmation of a date three weeks ago – and I would like to thank Mark [Dunlop] for having me on the show and giving me the opportunity to make my debut – but we have been preparing since July. The plan was always to fight around that time.”

“Turning pro is something I always wanted to do. It has always been a dream, and then went I eventually won the Irish title I thought ‘why not now? It seems the perfect time.'”

McDonald, who will turn over at super bantamweight having claimed the bantamweight Intermediate title last year, has always been on of those amateurs that would prompt ‘suited to the pro’ comments around the Stadium, and the fighter himself agrees.

“I think I have a style that suits the pros. I am a come-forward attacking fighter. I hope that is a style that people will like and take to. I have always been that way and it has helped working with the Hyland brothers over the years. People have always said I had a pro style. I think fans can expect that come forward looking to work style from me. I am one of those fighters that gets better and enjoys the fight longer it goes.”

Being suited to the pros and ready for pro life are two different things and Ireland’s latest pro is well aware of that.

He has been refining his style in the N7 Club just outside Tallaght and has been enjoying the changes.

“Although I am suited to the pros I still have to adapt and have things to learn. We have been working on settling down on the shots more. I am still too fast paced and that. Eddie has been working hard with me and I am really enjoying the work and the changes to the style,” he added before highlighting an Irish title goal.

“The plan for now is to get busy and have as many fights as quickly as possible. Hopefully I can build on what I have learnt and build a fan base. Long term goal for me is the Irish super bantamweight title, I would love to be champion of Ireland and anything then after that is a bonus.”