Magee admits “we could have taken a risk” with McCarthy – but postponement was best choice

It wasn’t all bad news for Tommy McCarthy [9(5)-0] on Thursday night.

The Belfast cruiserweight was forced to postpone his British title eliminator with Matty Askin due to a shoulder and, as a result. misses the chance to impress live on Boxnation.

The former National Senior heavyweight champion was said to be disappointed with the news, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Not only has the fight only been postponed by a mere four weeks. ‘Mac Attack’ now knows for certain victory on November 19th at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester will guarantee him a shot at the British title.

Manager Pat Magee expects the Belfast talent to fight Welshman Craig Kennedy for the title vacated by Ovill McKenzie within 90 days of the Askin’s fight.

“It is a bitter pill to swallow for Tommy, especially as the fight was due to play out on Boxnation,” Magee told Irish-Boxing.com.

“There was some positive news today. The winner of Tommy and Askin will definitely fight for the British title. I expect that fight to take place within 90 days. Kennedy was due to fight McKenzie for the title so he will be ready and I presume eager to fight,” the manager and promoter added before refuting suggestions Askins would be a more difficult test than McCarty.

“Not at all, I don’t see it that way.”

Another frustration for the manager was that McCarthy, who is now trained by Brian Magee, was looking good in training.

He revealed that “the injury came after a spar with Paul Drago, who people will remember from fighting Ian Tims. Tommy looked great over the four rounds and was set to do eight later in the week, but he had been carrying a slight shoulder injury and he felt it again after the spar.”

“We took him to the specialist and we could have taken a risk and went ahead, but were advised against it. We had to consider a loss to Askin could have set us back significantly.”