Sensational fight “in play” for Sky Sports Belfast show
One of the most shocking and intriguing Irish fights of recent times is currently being negotiated for the Sky Sports Belfast show next month.
Ryan Burnett challenges for Lee Haskins’ IBF bantamweight title at the SSE Odyssey Arena on Saturday June 10th, and Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has revealed that a stunning support bout is in the works.
Last night on social media, Hearn noted how a clash between Belfast cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy and Cork-Cuban Mike Perez is a fight which appeals to him, before telling how he has had positive talks with McCarthy’s veteran manager Pat Magee.
@mickconlan11 @Tommymac90 Just spoke to Pat..its in play
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) May 16, 2017
McCarthy [9(5)-1(0)] has not fought since his British title final eliminator loss to Matty Askin in November. Since then he has changed trainers from Brian Magee to Ensley Bingham in Manchester.
Hearn had said previously that he was considering putting the Lenadoon big man on the bill, however it would need to be in a big fight – which echoed the sentiments of McCarthy.
Perez [21(13)-2(1)-1], a former world-rated heavyweight and Prizefighter winner, is making a return to the sport after two years out. In this time, the Cuban 31 year old has dealt with numerous demons as well as whipping himself into a career-best shape – indeed so much so that he can now make cruiserweight.
First up for ‘The Rebel,’ who saw two fight dates fall through last month, is a return to the ring next Saturday [May 27th] on the ‘Celtic Clash 2’ bill at the National Stadium – although this appearance may be scrapped if the fight with McCarthy is made.
We await further updates on the situation/
Aside from this, the undercard at present comprises of an Irish cruiserweight title fight between Luke Watkins and Ian Tims alongside appearances from Carl McDonald, Sean Magee, Feargal McCrory, Matt Wilton, Tyrone McCullagh, Paul Hyland Jr, James Tennyson, Padraig McCrory, and Paddy Gallagher.
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.
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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey speak to Jason Quigley on Episode 5 of The Irish Boxing Show:
