Introducing: Thomas ‘The Young Offender’ McCarthy

Fear of National Senior Elite finals robbery has prompted Thomas McCarthy to defy his family and turn over quicker than expected.

The former underage star, Intermediate champ, and two-time National Elite Senior finalist committed to turning over with Boxing Ireland Promotions almost a year ago but the talented teen was initially persuaded to keep the vest on by his family.

Those around the Mayfield youth felt he should try and claim victory in this year’s Seniors and attempt to put himself in High Performance reckoning with Tokyo 2020 closing in.

However, the well-followed Cork fighter says he couldn’t dedicate him to training with the fear of being “robbed” looming over him.

The charismatic McCarthy, who featured in both ‘The Young Offenders’ movie and TV series, suffered split decision defeat  to Evan Metcalfe in the bantamweight final last year but argues he should have had his hand raised. 

Fears of a repeat has prompted him to turn over and he could now debut on the next installment of the Celtic Clash series in the coming months.

“I was going to hold off for the Elites over my family. They wanted me to give it one more year but I wanted to go pro for the last two years,” McCarthy told Irish-boxing.com when asked why as such a young talent he elected to turn over and why he changed his mind this time last year. 

“It’s horrible training three times a day six days a week then coming up to competitions to get robbed in a final.”

“Last year myself and many others thought the decision was a bad decision but, look, it’s time to focus on the pro game now and start achieving like I did in the amateurs. I am 20 years of and I have already been in two Elite finals, I should have one title.”

McCarthy leaves the amateurs with a parting shot, but moves forward into the pro ranks full of hope and excitement. Indeed, the North Cork man, who has impressed on visits to the Celtic Warriors Gym in Dublin, promises to bring excitement and skill to the table.

“I’m very exited to be joining the pros. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m made of and to build a nice few fans on my way.  I’m a very stylish boxer, quick on my feet and a good counter puncher. I can mix it up also so I have the skill,” the Paul Duncliffe-trained fighter adds.