Opponent Scout Report: September 2nd-3rd

With the Summer break over, shows are starting to crop up across the Irish Sea and there are a handful of Irish fighters in action as boxing starts to become a bit more regular.

Friday September 2nd
Banks’s Stadium, Walall
Chris Blaney [1(1)-0] – Super Middleweight
The Ginger Ninja faces Lithuanian Kiril Psonko [15(10)-39(12)-2] over four rounds
– Record: A regular on the British scene, he has lasted the distance with George Groves (6 rounds) and Frank Buglioni (8 rounds) while also giving Anto Fitzgerald and Brendan Fitzpatrick some trouble.
– Style: Well-schooled. Has a slippery style and a full range of shots. Can also switch-hit.
– Video: A competitive loss (56-58) to Brendan Fitzpatrick at UL in 2010. 
– Verdict: A very solid opponent for a short-notice bout
A good opponent.

Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
Tommy Carter [0-1(0)] – Middleweight
Irish Tommy faces debutant Nick Golubs over four rounds.
– Record: Active and somewhat successful on the unlicensed boxing scene.
– Style: Fit, throws plenty, but technically leaves something to be desire. Tends to slap and leave chin up.
– Video: Some footage from an unlicensed bout.
– Verdict: Another tough fight for Carter against an opponent who will be in there to win.
A good opponent.

Matty Mainwaring [2(0)-0] – Middleweight
Mainwaring takes on the ultra-durable Liam Griffiths [4(0)-65(3)-1] over four rounds.
– Record: Fights most middleweights on their way up and has plenty of Irish previous, never being stopped.
– Style: Rough and tough southpaw who is not averse to bending the rules and has a granite chin. Very hard to look good against.
– Video: A 2015 points loss (36-40) to two-time Irish title challenger Terry Maughan.
-Verdict: Griffiths is the perfect test for novice pros, giving them a taste of adversity without majorly threatening their unbeaten records.
A good opponent.

Saturday September 3rd
Robin Park Centre, Wigan
Anto Cacace [13(6)-0] – Super Featherweight
The Apache faces a to-be-confirmed opponent in a ring rust-removal bout.

Journeymen’s Corner
Casey Blair [3(0)-11(3)] and Jamesy Gorman [8(3)-24(2)-1] are in four-round action on Friday at Elland Road.
Gorman takes on welterweight Lee McGhie [2(0)-0].
Blair faces light middleweight Steven Mennell [6(3)-0-1].

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