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First Irish pro boxing show of 2019 confirmed


The first Irish pro boxing card of 2019 has been provisionally confirmed.

It has been listed that a MHD Promotions bill will take place in Belfast on Saturday February 9th.

No venue has been confirmed for the card but the Europa Hotel looks to be the likely landing spot – although the Titanic Exhibition Centre, the Ulster Hall, and the Devenish Complex are all also potential options.

Four fighters managed or promoted by MHD chief Mark Dunlop are down to take part on the card – super featherweights James Tennyson and Feargal McCrory, lightweight Paul Hyland Jr, and cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy.

Poleglass puncher Tennyson [22(18)-3(3] is slated to headline in his first fight since his IBF World title challenge in Boston last month. ‘The Assassin’ still retains his Commonwealth title and Dunlop has suggested that his next fight will be a defence of the rainbow belt.

Lagmore’s Hyland [19(7)-1(1)] is building towards a second shot at domestic honours and will hope to move into contention for a vacant British title tilt.

Coalisland’s McCrory [9(3)-0] is provisionally set to appear. The Tyrone puncher was due to box Stephen McAfee this Saturday in Dublin for the vacant Irish title before being sidelined by an unfortunate hand injury. It is not clear if McCrory will continue to chase the green belt, for which McAfee is mandatory, or seek other opportunities.

Finally, Lenadoon big man Tommy McCarthy [12(6)-1(0)] will continue his comeback from a damaging period of inactivity. ‘The Mac Attack’ boxed on Saturday, scoring a points win over Kent Kaupinnen and will be looking to build momentum ahead of big domestic fights.

More names are expected to be added to the card over the coming weeks.

This will be the fifth year in a row that Dunlop will have ran a Belfast show in early February.

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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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