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Cork duo to take a second go at the pros


Two Cork fighters will make their long-awaited professional debuts this year following an extended lead-in.

Both Dean O’Connell and Thomas McCarthy linked up with Boxing Ireland Promotions early last year but would not fight due to personal issues.

Thankfully, the Leeside pair have recommitted, are back training, and will debut this year as part of Boxing Ireland’s popular ‘Celtic Clash’ series.

Super bantamweight McCarthy is a former underage star and Intermediate champion as well as a two-time runner-up at the Elite Senior Championships.

The 20-year-old ‘Young Offender’ has spent time training at the Celtic Warriors Gym in Dublin alongside Cork boxing star Spike O’Sullivan.

McCarthy’s cousin and amateur clubmate O’Connell also makes his return.

The 24-year-old lightweight is noted for his pro style and said that “now it’s time to get my head back in it and show people that I still have what it takes to go very far.”

Debuts for the Rebel prospects are expected to take place on the upcoming ‘Celtic Clash 8’ bill in Dublin.

In terms of Munster representation, the pair join Limerick light middle Graham McCormack, Limerick-based Kerry super feather Siobhan O’Leary, and Kerry big man Kevin Cronin in the Boxing Ireland stable and a show in the province seems a distinct possibility soon.

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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