WBC world ranking snub not a set back for ambitious ‘Mac Attack’
Tommy McCarthy [16(8)-2(1)-0] admits he was ‘gutted’ not to appear in the latest WBC Top 15 rankings, but is adamant he build on the biggest win of his career to work his way toward a world title shot in 2020.
The Belfast cruiserweight was expecting to enter the world rankings as high as #12 – a ranking that would have made him world title eligible – post his impressive victory over former #15 Fabio Turchi in Italy last month.
That high ranking belief came after glowing praise from the ringside WBC officials, one of which was boss man Mauricio Sulaiman.
However, when the rankings were published late last week ‘The Mac Attack’ was placed in #18. The 28-year-old admits he wasn’t too happy, but points out he is in a better place than previous and a place he believes he can build something big off.
“I was gutted with not getting the top 15,” McCarthy told Irish-boxing.com.
“Myself and Mark [Dunlop] were under the impression I was gonna be 12. But to be going into 2020 number 18 in the world is great starting point. Especially after being unranked. So it’s not too bad.”
The Pete Taylor trained fighter may not as of yet be world title eligible, but he has been handed the chance to fight for another title of note.
McCarthy has been mandated to fight for the EU-EBU title – not to be confused with the EBU European strap.
The EBU board have ordered that the MHD fighter take on reinstated co challenger Nikodem Jezewski [17(9)-0-1] for the vacant title.
Having picked up the WBC International belt, McCarthy is only too happy to add to the collection and see’s the EU title fight as a step in the right direction.
If he manages to beat the Pole at a venue and date to be confirmed he would be next inline for EBU title holder and Matchroom favourite Lawrence Okolie. That is a fight he is open to, but it’s world titles he wants.
“I knew I was in line to fight for it because they told me if I beat Turchi I’d be mandatory for it. I want any title I can get my hands on. I’m working towards a world title I don’t care if that means I’ve to go through Okolie or any person.I want the championship,” he adds before expressing confidence with regard to Jezewski.
“The opponent is 17-0. But I’m confident I can deal with him in good fashion.”
McCarthy’s last three fights have played out on Sky broadcast Matchroom cards and he hopes to maintain that relationships moving forward.
“I’d like to keep boxing with Matchroom. Mark [Dunlop] has good relationship with them and I love working with them. Eddie and all the staff are sound and you get looked after.”
