Mark Ginley wants to stand out from the promotional pack

Mark Ginley is now no longer fighting, but he is still hugely involved in Belfast boxing and his promotional career is moving from strength to strength.

The 28 year old retired from professional boxing with a 4(0)-1(1) record at the end of 2012, with constant cuts proving too much.

The Belfast lightweight would dip his toe into management, semi-pro boxing and, this year, professional boxing.

In March he promoted his first show, ‘Dust Up at the Devenish,’ and returns to the Finaghy Road venue in West Belfast next month for ‘Danger at the Devenish.’

While his inaugural show suffered from two fighters pulling out on the day and a lack of a real headline fight, the card on September 16th looks to be one of the strongest small hall bills, at least in terms of the home corner, in Irish boxing history.

Co-headlined by BUI Celtic light welterweight champion Tyrone McKenna and Derry super bantam Tyrone McCullagh, the show also features recent British title challenger Marco McCullough, Rio Olympian Davey Oliver Joyce, Commonwealth silver medalist Steven Ward, recent Irish title challenger Stevie Collins, former English champion Anto Upton, and the highly anticipated debut of Gary Cully – with more still to be announced.

A stellar line-up, the young promoter wants Ginley Promotions to stand out from the crowd – both inside and outside of the ring.

Ginley told Irish-Boxing.com that “there are so many shows in Belfast now, you can’t afford to have a show that’s under par. The competition is great for the fans as everyone wants to be a part of great shows. ”

“That’s something I am very passionate about. So ouside the actual fights we need to give something extra to stick in people minds and make them want to return to future shows.”

“The line up is worthy of TV. It’s great to have a great relationship with MTK as they have all the best boxers in Europe.”

Ginley, known for his exciting and tough fights during his own pro career, wants to put the Irish boxers in testing match-ups next month.

The former Oliker Plunketts amateur reasoned that “all these fighters were all great amateurs and they are all looking to push on and test themselves – and MTK want the best fights for their boxers – so the match-ups will all be to help progress the fighters’ careers.”

Ginley knows the importance of building a profile as a fighter, and the crucial learning stage that is the small hall scene. He notes how “they [small hall shows] are very important. The boxers learn what the game is about and build a fan base on these small shows.”

“Irish fighters are so lucky at the minute with all the TV bills, but to stay active and progress they all need dates so that’s where small hall shows come into play.”

Ginley is especially close with headliner McKenna, a former amateur team mate who he managed for a spell – so he is especially delighted to see ‘The Mighty Celt’s’ career progress.

The older brother of trainer Ray Ginley described how “McKenna is building so much momentum, coming in with three KOs in his last three fights.”

“The Belfast fight fans love him, he’s approachable, friendly and has built a fan base on the undercards of everyone else – so it’s good he’s getting the limelight. he’s paid his dues.”

“McCullagh the co main event has half the fights of McKenna but, with Irish boxing booming, everyone want to push on and fight for domestic titles so he’s asked his management team for that and, guess what, MTK have delivered.”

“It’s a pleasure to be able to host it and work with such talented fighters.”