Ciaran McVarnock hoping to set up big 2018 with short-notice scrap

Ciaran McVarnock [8(2)-0-1] is under new management and looking to set up a massive 2018 with a win tomorrow night.

The Belfast featherweight has moved from Mack The Knife Global to Jason McClory’s Longshots Sports and is in action on Saturday on a Black Flash card at the Oldham Leisure Centre.

It’s very much a transition fight for McVarnock, who is returning from a broken wrist suffered in a scooter crash during the Summer and is looking to kick off a period of activity that will hopefully culminate with a belt in a few months time.

Speaking to Irish-Boxing.com, McVarnock described how his fight is “a great way to finish the year.”

“I have taken this fight with just three weeks notice and I’m so happy to get out before Christmas.”

“After this six rounder I can now into a title fight now that that is out of the way.”

“The hand injury is healing up well. The physio gave me some work to do with it and it seems to be working. It’s not one hundred percent as I still feel it when I have the lighter gloves on, but it’s a massive improvement.”

The Arnie Farnell-trained fighter faces Croatian Anto Nakic [1(0)-14(6)] on a bill which also includes Katie Taylor rival Natasha Jonas.

McVarnock believes he is in for a tough fight and reasoned that “I don’t know much about my opponent but i believe I’ve got a tough hard six rounds ahead of me.”

“I’ve been told my opponent comes to win and is relentless and loves to fight . It’s a perfect fight for me as I know I will learn from it and that’s what boxing is about.”

Now with the highly respected McClory who also is a matchmaker for Frank Warren, Manchester-based McVarnock is feeling positive about his prospects.

The New Lodge brawler explained how “I am now with Longshots Sports and I believe it’s the best place for me.”

“I can see how busy Jason keeps his fighters and I have nothing but respect for him. The WBO have given him two massive awards [European Matchmaker of the Year] two years running.”

“He is travelling up from the bottom of England to come and watch me fight and be in my corner. He is true to his word, is honest, and I believe in everything he says.”

“I believe now, for me to move on my career – I couldn’t be in a better place.”

And where does 25 year old McVarnock see his career moving on to?

‘Bunty’ outlined how “Arnie is my trainer, he has got his job, I am the fighter, I have got my job, and Jason is my manager, he has got his job.”

“As long as the three of us work together then we will have a massive 2018.”

“I believe i will have a meaningful belt around my waist by the time Summer comes. 2018 is the year where I make that jump.”

“I want to say a massive massive thank you to my sponsor Composite Wood Company who have helped me out so much for this fight to happen, my sponsor back home CS Suppliers who have stood by me from day, and everyone that has bought tickets so close to Christmas – Blackley Town FC have showed me massive support!”