“Decision victories are unacceptable at this stage of my career” – Harley Burke keen to continue KO streak this weekend

‘Nobody’ Harley Burke [3(3)-0] is dead set on making it four KO wins from four this weekend so he can set about becoming a somebody.

The Galway-born New York-raised super middleweight has managed three consecutive knockout wins since turning over back in November of last year.

The 25-year-old returns to the ring on Saturday night in South Carolina hoping to continue the first-round stoppage streak.

The Woodlawn resident only entered the amateur ring on 15 occasions, but doesn’t see that as a reason to bank learning rounds, rather inspiration to make an impression within the ring.

Burke feels the lack of an amateur innings results in a lack of profile, something he thinks knockouts will change.

“It’s very important I keep my knockout streak going,” the bloodthirsty Burke told Irish-Boxing.com.

“As boxers, we’re in the entertainment industry. Fans want knockouts, fans want blood. Everytime I fight know I’m out for both. Decision victories are unacceptable at this stage of my career.”

It’s not just fans Burke wants to impress or his own thirst for blood he wants to quench with stoppage wins.

Without a reputation on the New York scene, the novice banger claims he needs to bolster his CV before those who run shows in New York will considering putting him on cards.

All his fights to date have taken place in the city of Rock Hill and he surmises why: “My pro fights have taken place in South Carolina because I don’t have an extensive amateur pedigree. I had 15 amateur fights. I’m a nobody. I need to build a résumé first, then a New York promoter will give me a shot.”

‘Heavy Hands’ Burke looks ideal in terms of attracting an Irish-American audience and feels he would be a perfect fit for Michael Conlan’s annual New York trip.

He has been at the Garden as a Conlan fan, but would love to play supporting act.

“Fighting in Madison Square Garden and/or the Barclays Center is the dream. I think I’d be the perfect fit on a Michael Conlan undercard. I’ve been to several of his fights here including his pro debut and the Nikitin rematch. It’s always electric. I think adding a local undefeated Irish-American would be a brilliant idea. But what do I know?”

In terms of his fight this weekend, the 6’1″ super middle doesn’t as of yet know what type of challenge to expect.

Still, he goes into the unknown against Joshuan Cox [0-2(2)] confident.

“The challenge I’m expecting this weekend is the unknown. I’ve never seen my opponent fight. I don’t know his style. There’s no tape to study. For my pro debut my opponent changed last minute. All I can do is size him these guys up at the weigh-in. When the bell rings I’ll stick to my gameplan and adjust accordingly.”

Burke doesn’t know what to expect from his opponent, but is adamant his followers can expect more of the same from him.

“My support can always expect action when I fight. I’m in there to entertain. I will come forward and fire heavy shots. My first three fights have all ended in the first round – I’ll look to continue that tradition Saturday night,” he adds before explaining his Irish background.

“My Father is from Mayo, mother is from Galway. I was born in Galway, raised in New York. I always lived and went to school in New York but over the years I’ve visited Ireland over 10 times, as recently as last year. I’m from the Woodlawn/Yonkers area of New York, which is known for its Irish community.”