Irish Invasion – Fans Flock to Frankfurt for Padraig McCrory
Padraig McCrory [14(8)-0] will be at home in Leon Bunn’s hometown on Saturday night.
The Irish fight fans and ‘The Hammer’s’ loyal following, in particular, will make the Fabriksporthalle in Frankfurt, Germany a home away from home for the popular fighter warns manager Jamie Conlan.
Conlan predicts a mini Irish invasion when McCrory fights the German for the IBO light heavyweight world title, and believes the Irish support will make the Lion’s Den extremely comfortable for the ‘incredible success story.’
“I think the away fans he brings over, over 200, will be more vocal than the German fans,” the Conlan Boxing boss told Boxing Tickets NI.
“Poddy McCrory fans are up there with the best fans in Irish boxing, they have been since the days of the Devenish. They have followed him right through, He’s a cult hero in Irish boxing circles. They understand that this is it, this is the night and they’ve come out in force. Initially, when you went to book flights were £30 now they are £300 and that shows it’s Belfast going over,” he adds before predicting they will be rewarded for their support with a special moment and memory.
“Fighters when they go away and bring a big fan base with them: Magee in Manchester, Mick in Nottingham, McCloskey when he fought Amir Khan, all these nights you get away are the ones fans remember. These fans will have something to talk about for a while to come.
“It will be the ultimate test on Saturday night. Obviously, everyone at Wasserman is sure of their man, but I am sure that Pody will win this fight. He’s got the power in both hands, he’s in incredible shape. Saturday night will be fireworks and a great show for all the fans!”
The 34-year-old fighter holds a similar belief and expressed as much at the final press conference on Thursday.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me. Leon Bunn is a great fighter, but I’ve come here to win that world title. Traveling doesn’t matter to me, my Irish fans will make for an atmosphere like we’d be fighting at home.”
McCrory also told the Belfast Telegraph that he wants to deliver for those who have forked out to support him.
“I wouldn’t let those people spend their hard earned money in the middle of a cost of living crisis, seven weeks before Christmas, if I didn’t believe I was going to win,”
