Craig McCarthy targeting first stoppage as title hunt heats up

Craig McCarthy [4(0)-0] claims he takes a step up and a step toward titles in the National Bastketball Arena tonight.

The Waterford favourite takes on the relatively unknown Lukasz Rafalko [1(0)-0] in Tallaght on the Rise Again card and is expecting a tough test from the Pole.

Build 2 Last also believes his second six round contest will also move him closer to a title shot.

“It’s a step up for me in opponent, another step up. My opponents have all been good tough lads and have gotten better as I have gone on. This is another step up and I want to put on a show. I want to keep it going and hunt for those titles. I want those titles,” the Déise super middleweight told Irish-Boxing.com.

While the Steven O’Rourke-trained fighter is expecting his Polish foe to be tough, the popular puncher claims he has been hitting hard building up to the fight and is predicting a stoppage win.

“I am hitting hard and I am very precise in my punches so I think I will break him down and take him out in the fourth round,” he added before claiming his opponent’s style will play into his hands. 

“What I have seen of him, he comes forward and likes to fight on the inside. I think that will bring out the best in me. I want to practice and showcase my skills on the inside too and I am glad this lad should allow me to do that.”

McCarthy, who topped a successful card in Waterford early this year, is bringing a solid crowd to Dublin and was more than grateful when discussing his fan base.

“I done a good few tickets. It happens were I come from and I think you get back what you put out. I am so grateful, so humbled by it, honest I have nothing but love for anyone that ever bought a ticket of me and those who sponsor me.”

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