Newly Famous McComb: This is step one on the road to Rio

SEAN McComb’s brilliant European Games displays saw him emerge from the shadow of some of Belfast’s leading fighting lights.

The Holy Trinity puncher is well known within boxing circles, but wouldn’t have the same profile as friends and team mates Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan.

However, winning bronze in Baku last week gained him a wider fan base and McComb is delighted with his ‘wee bit of fame’.

“This is my first time bringing a medal home so it’s new to me. You can even see Katie, who has done this numerous times. She says that every time it happens it is still really enjoys it so it shows you how special it is,” he said in Dublin Airport on Monday morning.

“This is what it is all about. It is nice that everyone in your country knows who you are-it’s a wee bit of fame. This is where all the hard work pays off. I knew there was support back home and seeing it for yourself is something special.”

McComb may have grabbed a share of the spotlight, but isn’t content with performing at one major tournament. Indeed the rangy Belfast operator has his sights set on the Olympics and Rio 2016, although he knows qualifying via the Worlds won’t prove easy.

“This is all a stepping stone for Rio that’s the big one. I know hoe hard qualification will be but I know how hard I’ve been working. It would great to complete the group of Belfast boys going. It’s about full time training and living the right lifestyle.

“I’ve noticed the difference in the last year or two. I am also lucky to have world class coaches at club level and in the Ireland set up.”