Weight-jumping Regan Buckley confident ahead of Carl McDonald clash
The ‘Celtic Clash 3: Building Champions’ bill at the National Stadium in Saturday September 9th includes one of the most refreshing all-Irish fights in recent times.
Bray youngster Regan Buckley [1(0)-0] takes on Tallaght fighter Carl McDonald [2(0)-0] in a six round super bantamweight fight on the Boxing Ireland/Tony Davitt-promoted bill.
It is an extremely early career clash, indeed some say too early, however most would have the view that the bout will give the winner a big boost while being but a minor setback for the loser – indeed perhaps even enhancing their reputation.
Buckley though isn’t looking at the fight with a ‘no-lose’ lens.
The driven 20 year old views it as a big deal, a big chance, and promises to be “a different animal” in two months time.
“People say that it’s not that big of a deal if either of us lose, but its a big deal to me and it means the world to me,” Buckley told Irish-Boxing.com.
“I’m moving up three weights against an unbeaten Irish guy who wont want to lose his unbeaten record, so of course its risky but I believe in my skill set and my abilities.”
“No disrespect but I’m not losing this fight.”
Buckley was a runner up at 49kg at the 2016 National Elite Senior Championships (held in 2015), but the lower weights are notoriously difficult waters to navigate in the pros.
The positive Wicklow fighter isn’t one to complain though, and is more than happy to move up to progress his career.
Buckley outlined how “we originally wanted the fight at 53.5kg [bantamweight] where I would move up two weights and Carl move down one, but they wouldn’t come down under 55kg [super bantamweight] so we decided to go up and fight him at that.”
“I know of Carl, I’ve seen him fight before and I’m absolutely buzzing for this fight. I can’t wait!”
“My natural fight weight is 50.8kg [flyweight], for my last fight I weighed in at 51.3kg after my breakfast. It’s hard to get fights at those weights. I’m regularly sparring 60kg lads as there aren’t many lads around.”
Trained by his father Mark at St Teresa’s BC, Buckley is relishing the step up and explained that “these types of fights really do drive you on as you know your opponent is coming to try win and that motivates me to work harder.”
“I train hard for every fight but I sat down with my father and we went through my training camp and I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“This will be the hardest camp I’ve ever done, and the sparring he has lined up for me is top class. I will be a different animal come September 9th.”
“I cant wait for six rounds. We would have taken eight rounds if it was possible. I hardly broke a sweat during four rounds so six rounds will suit me perfect.”
“My team mate James Cahill is making his debut on this show so we will be driving each other on in training to make sure we’re both 100% on fight night.”
Photo Credit: Laszlo Geczo Photography
