Craig McCarthy reveals big Waterford plans

Craig McCarthy [6(1)-0] is ready to bring title fights to Waterford.

The Deise man topped a sensationally atmospheric bill in his home county last February and looks set to return on one if not two shows after the summer.

The Steven O’Rourke-trained super middleweight extended his winning pro run on Saturday night and revealed it might be destination Waterford next.

The popular southpaw claimed Ring Kings 2 is a go for WIT while a homecoming for Dylan Moran, potentially on TG4, is also in the offing.

That leaves McCarthy with the possibility of back-to-back fights at home. The Assassin fighter wants to fight on both and revealed he would love to fight for titles in front of his own fans.

“Ring Kings 2 is set for Waterford and there is talk of another show in Waterford too. I’ll give both a lash, why not? Get me the contracts I’ll sign them and fight. There is nothing better than fighting at home and I am sure the fans will come out again,” he told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I’d like a step up if I am on those shows. I would love title fights. How good would it be to win a title at home,” he continued before indicating he has no opponent or title preference – although the BUI Celtic belt would seem obvious and manager Conor Slater has indicated he wans an in-house fight with Vlad Belujsky.

McCarthy declared that “the options are varied and wide in terms of titles.”

“I am not here to call out anyone I am here to take over on my terms. I am doing my thing and that is how it works.”

McCarthy was talking after he claimed a first win of 2019 on the ‘Clash of the Titans’ card at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The first round stoppage of Hungarrian Akos Racz was the first short route to victory win of the ‘Built 2 Last’ journey and he revealed increasing power is something he has been working on. 

“That’s my first stoppage as a pro. It’s different I was just getting warmed up and it was over. I felt a long stronger. I have been working hard on power and it all paid off tonight.”

“I was hoping to rounds, but what happens happens. I feel stronger, bigger at the weight and fuller at the weight. I am hitting harder I can feel it on the pads and even on the bag. We have doing explosive stuff and strength work and the proof was in the pudding tonight.”