“Very big” fight news forces Tyrone McCullagh off Ulster Hall show

The bad news is that fight fans won’t get to see one of the break-out stars of 2018 box at the Ulster Hall tomorrow – but the good news is it’s because a massive fight has been agreed.

BBBoC Celtic and WBO European super bantamweight champion Tyrone McCullagh [12(6)-0] was due to fight Nicaraguan journeyman Miguel Corea on the undercard of the Keeler-Cummings rematch in Belfast tomorrow night.

However, the Derry fighter has confirmed on social media that his six-round keep-busy bout has been pulled from the card.

It’s somewhat dissapointing for those eager to see a puncher who hasn’t fought since an impressive win over English champion Josh Kennedy last October, but it seems it’s a safety first option.

‘White Chocolate’ revealed that a big fight has been agreed and will be announced soon and, as a result, his team felt it best not to risk a cut or injury against the journeyman on a stacked card.

McCullagh explained that “unfortunately I’ve had to withdraw from my fight tomorrow night, this is due to a very big fight being announced for myself that’s just around the corner and me and my team didn’t want to risk getting cut or injured tomorrow night.”

“I am very sorry for the late notice and to anyone I’ve let down or who has made plans, bought tickets of me etc for tomorrow night.”

“It still promises to be a great night of boxing but If anybody who bought a ticket off me now needs a refund, could you please get in touch ASAP as I am still going down to Belfast to cheer on my teammates and will be leaving tonight or tomorrow.”

Speculation as to who the 28-year-old may be facing has already begun, but the fighter himself hasn’t made any suggestions in that regard.

The current British champion is Brad Foster who won the vacant belt versus Josh Wale earlier this month but this is a route McCullagh has stated that he is not interested in pursuing. The Commonwealth title is held by Ashley Lane, while McCullagh is ineligible for the European title currently.

Potentially it could be an eliminator for #13-ranked McCullagh against another fighter in the WBO ladder as he looks to move towards champion Emanuel Navarrete, having stated that he is keen to get into contention in 2019. Indeed, it could be the Mexican champion himself.

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