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Metcalf wants Irish title after Dublin debut

Liverpool-born light middleweight JJ Metcalf is planning to become a fixture on the Irish boxing scene in the near future.

The MGM fighter boxes on the Puerto Banús outfit’s first foray into the small-hall scene next Friday at the Roadstone Club in Dublin.

‘Kid Shamrock’ comes from a family with strong Irish roots and boxing pedigree. The 27 year old is the son of ‘The Shamrock Express’ himself, Shea Neary. Neary, of course, is famous for his bouts back in 2000 with Micky Ward and Eamonn Magee.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Metcalf described his excitement at making his Irish debut on the show card on the Naas Road.

“I can’t wait for this. I’ve always wanted to box in Dublin.”

“I’ve watched shows there too and the atmosphere is fantastic, it was brilliant.”

“I was over in Dublin recently with Derry Matthews and we both thought ‘wow!'”

“Being there, it gave me goosebumps – I knew for sure then, I wanted to fight in Ireland.”

Indeed the unbeaten Scouser intends on fighting regularly in the land of his ancestors, revealing that “I want to box for an Irish title in my next fight.”

“That title will put me in line for big European fights.”

“Tyson Fury, Andy Lee all won Irish title fights so I’m in good company if I do that.”

The Irish light middleweight belt is currently vacant but is due to be contested by Nottingham-born Terry Maughan and Metcalf’s MGM team-mate Pauly Upton.

The Sean Turner-headlined card next Friday also features Ciaran Mullen, Steve Collins Jr, Ian Tims, Luke Keeler, and Crank Whitehouse. Tickets priced €40 unreserved and €60 ringside can be bought from the fighters involved.

The fight night kicks off a massive weekend of Irish boxing where there will be an unprecedented three shows, with Mark Dunlop’s ‘Elimination’ offering on Saturday at the Europa Hotel in Belfast alongside a further MGM show titled ‘Clash of the Clans’ at Dublin’s National Stadium.

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

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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