‘That’s who I want next’ – Tommy McCarthy calls out world champion after European title win

Within minutes of conquering Europe, Tommy McCarthy set his sights on world domination.

‘Big Tommy’ claimed the EBU European cruiserweight title on the Oleksandr Usyk v Dereck Chisora pay-per-view undercard live on Sky tonight.

Before what is a massive win could sink in properly the ‘Mac Attack’ was declaring his global dominance desires.

Speaking to Sky Sports directly after the fight a delighted McCarthy called out WBSS winner and reigning IBF world champion Mairis Briedis.

McCarthy believes the Latvian is the best at the weight in the world and wants that mantle for himself.

“I don’t want to stick around in Europe, I want Mairis Briedis next. I’m the king, the toughest man in Europe now. Mairis Briedis is the best cruiserweight in the world at the moment. That’s who I want next,” McCarthy told Sky.

While he was keen to look forward and push for a fight with the world champion, Saturday’s achievement wasn’t lost on the Belfast fighter.

The 29-year-old was clearly overjoyed, even emotional on occasion and rejoiced in a historic win.

“This means the world to me,” McCarthy added.

“But now I am European champ. I am the roughest, toughest bad boy out of Belfast and I’m the first Irish black European champion in Black History Month as well.”

The victory wasn’t a routine one, McCarthy’s Belgian opponent Bilal Laggoune, was tough, came to fight and enjoyed some success in a fight one judge scored even.

As a crusierweight connoisseur ‘Big Tommy’ was aware Laggoune was durable and no push over, but admits upon seeing a fleshy foe post the weigh in, he expected an under cooked version of the former EU champ.

“I thought it was going to be tough, but when Bilal took his top off at the weigh-in, I thought ‘this guy hasn’t trained’. I thought it was going to be easy, he really surprised me,” he continued before warning Belfast the party is on ice rather than covid cancelled.

“When I go back to Belfast, all the bars are locked down, but when they open up again, don’t forget about me. I want everyone buying me a pint.”