Ger Healy – “I have to take these kind of fights”

It’s not quite the Irish title fight he has been calling for, but Gerard Healy‘s clash with Sean McGlinchey [2(0)-0] is one he claims he had to take.

The popular Belfast fighter moves to middleweight to take on the Derry prospect for the Celtic Nations title on the second Kieran Farrell Promotions Belfast show on Friday October 6th.

The 33 year old, who returned after a two year sabbatical on Farrell’s debut Belfast promotion, was hopeful of an Irish title fight at light middle, but has moved to 160lbs and will have to bide his time before challenging for the title which is currently wrapped around the waist of Luke Keeler.

With no Irish title fight on the immediate horizon, the Ray Ginley-trained fighter feels he has to fight for a belt and take part in high profile all-Irish clash.

“It’s a good fight for the fans. My manger asked me if I would take it and I said yes if Sean was up for it I would be – and he must be, because it’s made now,” Healy [6(0)-4(1)] told Irish-Boxing.com

“At this stage of my career I have to take these kind of fights. The fans are going to see a great fight between two guys that have the same dream of winning that belt.”

Healy doesn’t quite think a win over McGlinchey, who himself has said he will be gunning for the green strap by next year, will earn him a shot he feels he deserves, but a Celtic Nations title win should certainly move him closer to a shot.

He is confident of securing a victory over the Glen McCrory-trained pro, a former top amateur, but isn’t underestimating the challenge that lays ahead.

“I am not sure if it’s the perfect stepping stone to the Irish title. I think I have done enough in the game to deserve my shot now, but it is what it is and I will focus on this fight.”

“Sean is a good fighter. He was a big name in the amateurs and won medals, so it’s a hard fight, but a fight I am very confident in winning.”

The October bout will be just McGlinchey’s third fight, but will be Healy’s fourth all-Ireland clash. However, ‘Boom Boom’ doesn’t feel having domestic dust-up experience will prove an advantage.

“I don’t think being in all Irish fight will be an advantage to be honest. Sean has had a lot of experience in the amateurs like I have had in the pro game. I really think it’s going to be a great fight.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)