Up West Belfast – Padraig McCrory Wants To Keep The Good Times Going
Padraig McCrory [14(8)-0] is taking inspiration from Anthony Cacace [20(7)-1(0)] ahead of his very own IBO world title fight this coming weekend.
Cacace claimed the super featherweight version of the strap by defeating Michael Magnesi last month, Dennis Hogan made it an IBO double when he beat Sam Eggington to become their light middleweight champ just over a week ago and McCrory has hat trick plans.
The West Belfast fighter travels to Germany to fight undefeated Leon Bunn [18(9)-0] in his hometown of Frankfurt particularly motivated by his near neighbours success.
“Anto is from Ladybrook, and I live in Ladybrook now. So to have two world champions from that small area would be amazing. And it has given me that extra motivation to it,” McCrory told Belfast Live.
“Everyone knows how good Anto is, but unfortunately he has endured loads of letdowns. But now the greater public are starting to notice him and they will see him grow and grow.”
What a fight we have here 💥
— Wasserman Boxing (@WassermanBoxing) October 20, 2022
Padraig McCrory and Leon Bunn stare down ahead of @IBOBoxing World Light Heavyweight Championship action this weekend 🥊 @SPORT1 @JamieConlan11 @SauerlandBros pic.twitter.com/3gUiG8c5UH
In familiar humble fashion, ‘The Hammer’ was happier to discuss how good ‘The Apache’ is and was keen to call for him to get credit.
However, he does note the win has enhanced his fellow Belfast fighters standing and wonders if victory will do the same for him.
“Anto Cacace did it. I feel he didn’t get the plaudits he should have got from local media, but he is champion of the world and has the world at his feet,” McCrory added.
“Hopefully I am in the same place in three weeks. Anto has always had the talent and I think he can go even further. He has the potential of securing his family’s future because he is good enough.”
Tá Dornálaíocht Beo ar ais ar @TG4TV
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 16, 2022
🥊 World Title fight live this weekend
📅 Dé Sathairn / Saturday
⏰ 19:45
🇮🇪 @padraigmc1988 v Leon Bunn 🇩🇪
🏆 Craobh an Domhain IBO
Chomh maith le / Undercard:
🇮🇪 @Kieranmolloy8
🇮🇪 @KurtWalker7@ConlanBoxing | #IrishBoxing pic.twitter.com/YF4Tm9qieB
Standing in the way of McCrory, who has registered four impressive consecutive step-up knockout wins at super middleweight, is a light heavyweight test.
Carl Frampton has always been Anthony Cacace’s #1 fan.
— Irish-Boxing.com (@Irishboxingcom) September 26, 2022
A lot of fighters will tell you how good Cacace is but none more so than ‘The Jackal’. pic.twitter.com/HtTbGy2rqU
Bunn is undefeated and holds an IBF International title, has strong backing from the Sauerlands and has nine knockouts from 18 fights. He also has respectable wins on his record but nothing overly eye-catching – and the fact they took this fight over an EU title fight suggests Team McCrory are very confident.
Speaking at the final press conference ahead of the fight Bunn said:
I feel great and I’m glad to be here in Frankfurt, in my hometown, to fight for a world title. I’m happy that Wasserman made this a reality. I’ve trained hard for this fight. I’m always in training because I always hoped that an opportunity like this would come across. I gave it my all in camp with Conny these last weeks and I am sure that all the work we’ve done will result in victory on Saturday night. I will do everything I can to win that belt.”
