Headliner Craig McCarthy – “It’s bloody real now!”

In just his third professional contest, and only four months into his career, Craig McCarthy [2(0)-0] has been tasked with headlining the first show in his home city since the 1940s.

No pressure.

Indeed while McCarthy jokes how “it’s bloody real now, I tell ya,” the super middleweight is loving it all.

The super middleweight headlines the inaugural Ring Kings card tomorrow at the WIT Arena where he will be supported by his countymen Rohan Date and Barry Barnes, as well as Graham McCormack O’Shea, Keane McMahon, John Joyce, Eric Donovan, and recent world title challenger Mike Perez.

It’s a special occasion for McCarthy who explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “to be main event in my own hometown is only massive.”

“The excitement is something else.The buzz in Waterford is crazy, there are folks coming up to me and being so supportive and sincere in wishing me luck.”

“The buzz has just spread through the whole city you can feel the excitement.”

McCarthy faces Bulgarian Teodor Lozanov [4(1)-6(4)] in the headline bout over six rounds. ‘Built2Last’ feels ready for the early step into the spotlight and described how “it’s my third fight and yes it’s early to be stepping up to six rounds but we believe this is the correct move and will stand to us.”

“It will suit us as I get better as the rounds go on. Our goals and plans are all in balance, it is going one hundred percent.”

“I don’t know too much about my opponent other than he is game as hell. I’m going to dictate and we will go from there, we are ready for anything.”

The Steven O’Rourke-trained McCarthy is close friends with event promoter Neil Power, and believes that together they will put on a memorable show.

The Déise man outlined how “fans can expect pure professionalism from all involved. They are going to be in awe at the show that Neil Power Promotions has installed for them, this man has really put on a top-notch event for Waterford.”

“What they can expect from me is entertainment, hard-hitting value for money.”

“I have put in the toughest camp of my life so I am emptying the tank in that ring, it’s my time to shine!”