Such is the confidence Mark Dunlop has in lightweight prospect Joe Fitzpatrick, he was prepared to let him try and sink his teeth into the tough Reynaldo Mora on the dinner show set for the Europa hotel later this month.

Nicaraguan Mora was deemed worthy enough opposition for former Wild Card puncher Jamie Kavanagh, a next level hopeful, who has faced a whole host of tough Mexican’s and South Americans en route to a 19-1-1 record.

Granted Kavanagh was returning from America, and to action, after a difficult period outside of the ring, but Mora certainly proved more than ‘gimme’ opposition for a fighter with major title ambitions.

Mora would have represent a big step up in class for the Belfast 20 year old, but such is the faith manager Dunlop has in the Frank Warren-promoted fighter, he was willing to match Fitzpatrick with the recent Kavanagh foe just three weeks before the former Commonwealth Games medal winner makes his TV debut in Dublin.

“Joe has such a reputation he is already becoming difficult to match, I had him matched with a decent German kid who withdrew on Thursday,” said Dunlop.

“I then had him up against a Nicaraguan who gave Jamie Kavanagh a good work out last week unfortunately he lost by stoppage on Saturday so it’s back to the drawing board.”