McCarthy discusses McCrory’s ‘devastating’ ‘freakish’ power

Tommy McCarthy [20(10)-4(2)] says Padraig McCrory’s power is ‘freakish’.

The former European Champion claims the newly crowned IBO light heavyweight world champion is up there with the biggest punchers he has shared the ring with, albeit the pair have only sparred.

Indeed, speaking at the Devenish after hosting an event to welcome home ‘The Hammer’ from Germany, the ‘Mack Attack’ claimed he couldn’t think of anyone that rivaled the power of the Dee Walsh trained fighter.

It’s a huge compliment, especially considering McCrory [15(9)-0] normally operates down at super middleweight and McCarthy has taken punches from some of the big cruiserweights in his decorated career.

Such is McCarthy’s confidence in McCrory’s power that he never doubted the 34-year-old would travel to Germany and upset the previously undefeated Leon Bunn.

“His win last week was unbelievable. I knew when the fight was made that he would win,” McCarthy told Belfast Live.

“Nothing is a foregone conclusion in boxing, but I watched the fella Leon Bunn who is a good, tidy boxer. But I knew when Padraig hit him everything would change.

“Padraig is definitely in the top three hardest punchers I have ever been in the ring with. It is freakish and hard to describe.

“I am struggling to actually think who hits harder, and he is normally two weights below me. He has power in both hands and it is devastating.”

The win, which has been celebrated in Belfast, is the best of McCrory’s career but he doesn’t want it to stay that way. The St James fighter has been open about wanting bigger challenges – and McCarthy claims he is in a position to have his wish granted..

“Padraig is there at the top end of the rankings.

“He can hopefully make a bit of money out of it. He is 34 now and hasn’t got too many miles on the clock and he is knocking everyone out.

“His foot is in the door now with the IBO title. So there are big fights there for him, and some unification fights.

“There are people like Joshua Buatsi, Anthony Yarde, Craig Richards. Massive fights.”