Paddy McDonagh v Stevie Collins Jr is “the one the purists are excited about”

Stevie Collins will have his wish granted on June 24th and will face the best Paddy McDonagh possible on the ‘For Honour and Pride’ card according to Conor Slater of Assassin Promotions.

The Dublin light heavyweight will trade leather the younger of the two fighting Mullingar brothers for the Irish title on Red Corner’s latest installment and at a recent press conference ahead of the event revealed he hoped his rival would be in peak shape and top form come fight night.

The Wolfhound doesn’t want to be handed the green strap he wants to earn it and hopes his rival, the most recent custodian of the light heavyweight crown, makes him work for it.

“Paddy didn’t come looking for me I came looking for him. I hope the best Paddy McDonagh turns up. I hope he comes in shape and sharp and performs to his best. That is how I want to win the title beating the best Paddy McDonagh,” Collins stated.

At the same top table Slater confirmed that Collins’ desires will be met. Rebuffing fears that McDonagh may not be ready in time for the clash – after a no show at the press event – Slater promised that not only will his man be present at the National Stadium on June 24th, but predicted he will produce a top level performance.

The Commercial & Marketing head at the UK outfit explained that “Paddy is in the UK training hard and preparing for what I think everyone agrees could be an incredible fight.”

“Stevie asked for the best Paddy McDonagh and believe me he will get that on June 24th. We will see what Steve Collins can do, he is coming up against a motivated, experienced, and awkward southpaw. ”

“There is a lot of talk about Luke Keeler versus Darren Cruise on the top of the bill, but this fight is an incredible fight and the one the purists are excited about.”

Also on the card at the end of the month is Ray Moylette, Victor Rabei, Thomas Finnegan, Chris Blaney, Allan Phelan, and an Irish middleweight title fight between Luke Keeler and Darren Cruise.

Tickets for the June 24th show cost €40 (general) and €60 (ringside) and are available from the boxers involved.