Martin Quinn takes Karl Kelly Irish title chance in his stride

Martin Quinn [2(1)-1(0)] doesn’t begrudge Karl Kelly his Irish title shot, but is adamant he still wants a rematch following their controversial first fight.

After dishing up the Fight of the Year – as voted for by Irish-Boxing.com readers – in November, the Dublin lightweight pair looked odds-on to rematch in a BUI Celtic Title fight on the next Celtic Clash instalment.

Quinn and his team were furious with the 58-57 final verdict in favour of ‘Little Sexy’ following a bout which most felt the Crumlin man won and a repeat seemed inevitable.

However, Kelly [2(0)-2(0)] has been given the chance to fight for the vacant Irish lightweight title and will fight Feargal McCrory [9(3)-0] for the green belt in the Ulster Hall on Saturday February 9th.

Unbeaten prospect Gary Cully has hit out at the fact the fight has been sanctioned by the BUI after having had numerous offers to Irish lightweights for the BUI Celtic title turned down.

READ: Gary Cully slams Irish title announcement

However, Quinn, who was also upset when Kelly and Victor Rabei got the chance to fight for the BUI Celtic light welterweight strap, has no issue.

The Crumlin BC graduate remains adamant he won their Celtic Clash 7 thriller and previously revealed an immediate rematch had been offered, but understands the offer was too good for Monkstown’s Kelly to turn down.

“I didn’t really react to much to the news [Kelly would fight McCrory]. I couldn’t see why he would say no to that fight,” the magnanimous ‘Mighty’ Quinn told Irish-Boxing.com.

Looking ahead to 2019, Quinn outlined how “I thought, because everyone was saying he lost our fight, that we would go again ASAP but he has this fight now. We’ll just tip away and see if anything comes up.”

Kelly and his team have promised the Stephen Sharpe-managed fighter he will eventually get a return and it’s something Quinn remains keen on.

He may have to wait longer than first expected, but if things transpire favorably on what is shaping up to be an entertaining ‘A Night to Remember’ card for Kelly, any rematch might be for a bigger prize.

“I want the rematch definitely,” said Quinn, who needs an eight rounder to become eligble for the Irish title.

“I have a point to prove and he really lost the fight  so he should want to make it right.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)