Pádraig McCrory hopes to make impression on Sky Sports Belfast bill following handsome ticket sales

Manager Kieran Farrell has labelled him as being the most handsome man in Irish boxing, and Pádraig McCrory believes that he can be an attractive option for Sky Sports going forward.

The Belfast super middle makes his debut on Saturday night at the SSE Odyssey Arena on the Haskins-Burnett IBF bantamweight title undercard and the St James’s man is bringing an army with him.

A former top Ulster amateur, there has been a lot of interest in McCrory’s debut. The 28 year old has been regularly documenting the lead up to his first fight in a column with Belfast Live and the tickets have been flying out the door.

Such interest would seem to suggest that McCrory is a perfect fighter for Matchroom Belfast undercards should Burnett prevail on Saturday and Eddie Hearn decide to return to the Titanic City.

McCrory explained to Irish-Boxing.com how “tickets have went brilliantly.”

“Over 200 for my first fight is brilliant. I didn’t expect that much but I’m very humbled by the support.”

“If I perform well, make an impression, and build a fanbase, I would hope Matchroom wouldn’t think twice about having me on again!”

The Immanuel Boxing Academy man has turned pro relatively late, and is taking the transition, which includes a move down in weight, in his stride.

“It’s exciting more than anything,” he noted. “The public workout was a great experience and I hope it’s not the last one I have.”

“I’ve just been soaking it all up”

“I always made light heavy easy enough. I feel very comfortable at the weigh so it’s no issue.”

On Saturday McCrory will face English journeyman Jacob Lucas. While his opponent carries a record [0-8(2)-2] which may not be appealing to the eye, McCrory is a realist and is happy with his debut foe.

The former Holy Trinity amateur described how “I’ve had a wee look at the guy and he’s not your typical journeyman.”

“He’s 6’2″ and looks super fit.”

“Giving that he’s English it means that all his fights have been a decent standard. I’ve seen some of those Eastern Europeans with winning records and you’d be wondering how.”

“I’m expecting a tough test but one I expect to pass with flying colours.”

“I want to thank Kieran, Matchroom and my sponsors for the opportunity and good luck to everyone on the show

The Burnett-Haskins undercard at present also features an Irish cruiserweight title fight between Luke Watkins and Ian Tims, Feargal McCrory v Paul Holt, James Tennyson v Ryan Doyle, Paul Hyland Jr v Adam Dingsdale and appearances from Carl McDonald, Sean Magee, Matt Wilton, Tyrone McCullagh, Paddy Gallagher, and the return of Mike Perez.

Tickets for ‘Belfast Boy’ on June 10th at the SSE Odyssey Arena cost £30, £40, £60, £100, and £150 (VIP), and can be bought from the boxers involved or HERE.