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Padraig McCrory aiming to improve and impress on ESPN+


Padraig McCrory [7(3)-0] is looking forward to getting some ‘invaluable’ exposure as Belfast hits ESPN+ for the first time next month.

With a sizable and vocal following, as well as an eye for a knockout, the Belfast super middleweight is seen as one of those who can make the most of MTK’s link up with ESPN+ and having his fights aired Stateside.

The Irish-Boxing.com Knockout of the Year winner for 2018 certainly has the one-punch power that can make people sit up and take note and an eye-catching performance on a wider platform could increase his chances of securing more noteworthy bouts.

Therefore, the St James’s puncher is determined to make the most of his chance on the next #MTKFightNight card at the Ulster Hall.

“Any TV is a massive bonus for us, but ESPN is one of the biggest networks in the world so the exposure is invaluable for all the fighters,” McCrory explained to Irish-boxing.com when discussing his May 17th clash. 

ESPN were not present the last time ‘The Hammer’ took to the ring at the Ulster Hall, but he still suggests he was too eager to impress when facing Nicaraguan spoiler Santos Medrano on the undercard of the Luke Keeler v Conrad Cummings rematch.

The Ray Ginley-trained puncher cut a frustrated figure directly after the points win but, with time to reflect, he sees the clash as valuable learning experience.

“I looked back on it and seen where I went wrong. When looking back it wasn’t as bad as I first thought but it’s a learning fight and I will make improvements,” he reflects before suggesting what he needs to work on for next month.

“Myself and Ray both agreed I was looking for too many single shots rather than putting shots together and we are also looking at my footwork and balance.”

While there are those who suggest McCrory is ready to kick on, with such noises hitting their highest levels after his win over Sean McGlinchey last year, the fighter himself is content to keep busy and learning at present.

The super middleweight does want a title by the end of the year but isn’t adverse to another learning bout come May 17th.

“I’m happy to be keep active, it can only benefit me getting straight back into the gym so I was happy with the news,” he adds when talking about the quick fight date.

“I’m happy to take on any style. So far I’ve boxed a couple of different styles so it’s all different experiences, but I feel I perform better when a fighter comes for a fight. I think we’re looking at another six rounder and I’m hoping I get a title shot before the year’s out.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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