It’s Showtime – McDonald comfortable making McAfee step up

A hungry Kelvin McDonald [2(0)-0] claims he took just one second to accept a fight with former BUI Celtic champion Stephen McAffee.

The Larne fighter’s desire to move fast has been obvious since he agreed to an all-Irish in his second outing – although that fight with Declan Kenna never materialized. So it was no real surprise when he accepted a fight with Aiden Metcalfe for his third fight and Celtic Clash 9 and this weekend.

However, when Metcalfe pulled out and Stephen McAfee [5(2)-1(1)-1] was revealed as his replacement opponent eyebrows did slowly head north.

The Sallynoggin fighter is a different prospect to his fellow Dub. ‘Showtime’ has plenty of all Irish experience, has won the BUI Celtic title, topped a TV bill in an Irish title fight with Eric Donovan, and has been in training for a fight on the same Celtic Clash card. It’s a significant step up for ‘Boom Boom’, but one, he told Irish-boxing.com, he had no qualms about taking.

In fact he was delighted with the opportunity.

“I got a phone call last week just saying Aiden is out of the fight, but McAfee was available to step in and within a split second I said yes make it.” McDonald told Irish-Boxing.com.

“Yeah, it’s a step up, definitely I am fighting a former Celtic champion and Irish title challenger, but that’s why I want this fight to prove to myself I’m on that level or above,” he adds before stressing he is confident he can prove those who questioned the move wrong.

“I don’t really care what people think to be honest. Everyone has their own opinions. but they will see come fight night.”

McDonald is aware a victory will see him jump the que significantly. He seems sure having his hand raised will afford him the chance to raise the BUI super featherweight Celtic title – and it’s a win he is more than confident he will secure.

“My only prediction is a win, that’s all I’m going for. If a stoppage comes it comes but I won’t be looking for it. I definitely think it propels me in my career. I believe the winner of this fight gets the Celtic title shot next at super featherweight so I’m excited for that then push on from there,” he adds before claiming he goes into the fight with little knowledge of his opponent.

“All I know is that he is a big puncher I don’t really look to much into my opponents, I leave that all to my coach and he lays out a game plan that we will execute.”