‘He would have known defeat’ – Garrido tells Cully fight falling through is blessing in disguise
Renald Garrido [24(6)-22(0)-3] claims lightweight prospect Gary Cully [8(4)-0] has dodged an early career bullet.
The colourful French fighter was set to face the talented Naas fighter on what is becoming an increasingly anticipated Ulster Hall-hosted #MTKFightNight set for Friday June 21st.
The ‘Lionheart’, who has never been stopped or dominated, has upset previous having scored big wins over unbeaten former top amateurs Bradley Saunders and Daouda Sow and pushed the likes of Tyrone McKenna and Frankie Gavin close, represented a massive breakthrough chance for eager to push on Kildare fighter.
The fight is off meaning the Pete Taylor trained massive for the weight star in the makings chance to make an impression on a wider audience has been delayed, something which he will lament- although Garrido claims he shouldn’t.
Not only has the French toughman revealed he is willing to re-schedule after Cully pulled out injured, but he claims the fight falling through is a blessing in disguise for the young fighter.
“I think he lacks experience to face me. Without wanting to be pretentious he would surely have known his first defeat and the judges would have saved him in the case of decision on points,” Garrido told Irish-boxing.com before suggesting he would be open to doing it again.
“I hope the opportunity comes again because in Ireland I also have supporters and people who like to see me fight.”
Facing a fighter with Cully’s skills and unique physical attributes is a massive conundrum for any lightweight. A six foot plus southpaw at that weight is a game plan minefield, but when pressed as to whether he could give any insight as to how he would have approached the riddle Garrido’s response just proves why he is liked even by home fans.
“I never do a plan! I have enough work for that. I get on the ring I fight tirelessly.”
The respected warrior will now fight Cully’s MTK stable mate Lewis Benson a week later in Glasgow – and the fact he is seen as someone who could test the heavier and more experienced Scot is proof of just how much a step up he represented for Cully.
Benson is a recent foe of former Garrido opponent Tyrone McKenna, who tops the Ulster Hall fight night alongside Darragh Foley on June 21. Having watched the war between Celtic cousins the French fighter can’t wait to get in and trade with ‘Kid Caramel’.
“I know he faced McKenna and in that fight the two boxers had a monstrous fight. I like to face warriors so I am so impatient and can’t wait for this fight.”
Garrido revealed he hasn’t approached ‘The Mighty Celt’ for advice with regard to Benson.
“Even though I often speak with Tyronne because he’s a friend I didn’t ask for advice because I have my own crappy special boxing style that I stick too!”
