‘It’s going to be a huge relief’ – Emotions high as Ciaran McVarnock returns in Carpark clash

Ciaran McVarnock [10(3)-0-1] claims victory in Sheffield tonight will lift a massive weight off his shoulders.

‘Bunty’ is scheduled to trade leather against experienced journeyman Jamie Quinn [7(0)-106(2)-3]in the Sheffield Arena Car Park, on Dennis Hobson Fightzone broadcast card.

It’s the first time the Belfast featherweight will have graced the ring in two years and three days.

That sabbatical has been particularly traumatic especially considering it coincided with the much-publicized health battle his partner has been through and with a global pandemic hitting.

Indeed, it got to the stage were the Manchester based fighter felt he would never fight again.

As a result he is as excited as debutant but is aware his emotions may boil over if he does register an eleventh career win.

“I’m super excited,” and obviously upbeat McVarnock told Irish-boxing.com.

“It’s been exactly two years and three days since my last fight, so it feels like I’m making my debut all over again. I can’t wait to stick my gumshield in and let them hands go,” he adds before noting he may be emotional.

“Two years of mixed emotions are coming out of me come Friday night. It’s going to be a huge huge relief and weight off my shoulders once I get my hand raised.”

McVarnock has admitted he expects a degre of ring rust, rust he wants to oil before going straight into more noteworthy fights.

However, he does advise fans to watch out for a change in style. Since teaming up with Steve Maylette, the Belfast man believes he has become more defensively aware and more exciting to watch.

“You can expect alot smarter fighter. I used to always stand and take three or four punches just to try and land one big punch. This time I’m a lot smarter. Boxing is about hit and not being hit, aswell as about excitement at the same time and that’s exactly the fighter I have been learning to be. Thats what you are going to see on Friday,” he continues before discussing bubble life.

“This fight week is different. Not because I haven’t fought in a while but because I have to quarantine in the hotel and be in the bubble. I actually enjoyed it. The only thing I hated about fight week was trying to get the last few lbs off but now I have a nutritionist I don’t have that concern anymore. It feels amazing being able to have three proper meals the day before weigh-in.”