‘I was in unbelievable pain’ – Tommy McCarthy won European title despite suffering major injury

Tommy McCarthy [17(8)-2(1)] fought unbelievable levels of pain as well as Bilal Laggoune to claim the European cruiserweight title.

The tough Belgian wasn’t the only sizable obstacle ‘The Mack Attack’ had to overcome to become Ireland’s fifteenth European Champion on the Usyk Chisora pay per view card.

Just over a week after the career enhancing win, ‘Big Tommy’ has revealed fought the 12 round fight with a broken hand.

It turns out the 30-year-old broke his hand three weeks out from the massive fight.

Pulling out was never an option for the hungry cruiser, so he elected to live with the pain for the remainder of camp and through the fight.

Speaking on social media McCarthy explained:

“3 weeks before the fight I broke my hand sparring! But there was no way I was gonna let the opportunity to fight for the European title pass me by!! I was in unbelievable pain during camp and on fight night! But the body will go as long as the mind allows it!”

3 weeks before the fight I broke my hand sparring! But there was no way I was gonna let the opportunity to fight for the European title pass me by!! I was in unbelievable pain during camp and on fight night! But the body will go as long as the mind allows it! #mindsetiseverything pic.twitter.com/J8MPQ5n3EZ

— Tommy McCarthy (@Tommymac90) November 9, 2020

The revelation adds to the impressive win and indeed the performance. It can now be argued the MHD fighter may have stopped his Continental foe but for the injury to his backhand.

The fact he battled through the pain barrier to record such a win is also two fingers to those who mistake McCarthy’s laid back nature for a lack of drive and ambition.