Returning Noely Murphy aiming to set up big 2019

Noely Murphy [12(2)-1(0)] isn’t looking to ease his way back from his first career defeat.

The Cork fighter lost what was meant to be a breakthrough WBC USA light welterweight title fight in February of this year and returns with a tricky enough test in Queens on December 7th.

The New York-based Rebel will trade leather with Andre Byrd [6(1)-4(0)-1] on the same night as Belfast and Mayo play host to two good cards back home.

The Jacksonville native isn’t quite the level of Murphy’s last opponent, undefeated 21-fight veteran Mikkel LesPierre, and the Macroom man will be favourite going into the clash at Club Amazura. 

However, the game Byrd does represent a tricky enough test for any fighter looking to get back to winning ways.

The American is noted for his durability, has upset two fighters with winning record in his last three fights and goes into the clash on the back of an eight round points loss to veteran Landardo Tyner.

It also appears Byrd fancies his chances and called for the fight.

“We are expecting a tough fight and a durable opponent this is the kind of fight Noel wanted coming back after his loss,” Murphy’s manager Kevin Crowley told Irish-Boxing.com.

Murphy has been ‘suggested out’ by Dublin welter John Joyce in recent weeks and his team have been open to this call but the 24-year-old must first win in Queens on a card that features fellow Irish light welterweight Larry Fryers and will be streamed live on Facebook.

Happy to have a good match, Crowley notes how Murphy “did not want to go back down the ladder too much and wanted someone with a winning record. I think this is the perfect fight to get Noel back into the mix and step up again in the New Year.”

“His training is going well under Marcus Suarez in the Bronx and his original coach from Cork Tom Power will be joining them fight week in New York.”

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