“Peter McDonagh might have to defend it soon” – Noely Murphy hopeful of Irish title fight

Noel Murphy [9(2)-0] wants an Irish title tilt and is more than happy to challenge reigning champ Peter McDonagh for the welterweight green belt.

‘The Irish Canelo’ claimed the BUI Celtic title and became three weight Irish champ McDonagh’s mandatory with victory over Avelino Vazquez  in front of a passionate and partisan following at the National Stadium on Saturday night.

Within minutes of buckling a first strap around his waist the ‘Irish Canelo’ admitted he has a taste for fight trinkets and suggested he would like the chance to ensure a sad ending to the ‘Cinderella Man’s’ fairy-tale career finish.

“I am mandatory for the Irish title now. I don’t know whats going to happen, but Peter McDonagh might have to defend it soon. We will see. How could you not want a fight with him here after that?”

The New York-based Cork welter, who was fighting in Ireland for the first time as a pro would like the match up in Ireland, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that – if McDonagh is open to it – the clash could play out in America.

If Murphy is to believed, his promoter wouldn’t have qualms with having an Irish champion on his books and, with Matthew Macklin’s links to DiBella and his role as manager to McDonagh, a New York hosted title fight seems a possibility.

“Now it’s back to my promoter Lou DiBella and I’ll see what he has to say. He loves Ireland though. We are very lucky he has a thing for Ireland.”

Murphy is hoping DiBella allows him to fight at home at least once a year and, when he does return again, Irish promoters will be keen to host the 22 year old’s bouts such is the Munsterman’s ticket-selling prowess and the atmosphere his fans create.

The Macroom Murphy Maniacs seem like a real bonus for the prospect, but the fighter himself said he had to be somewhat wary of the vocal support.

“The atmosphere was amazing when I came out, but I knew I had to block out the crowd. I would have thrown everything at him and blown out in the first round if I listened to the crowd.”

“He was easy to hit too, but I knew he was durable so I had to be careful not to get caught up in it all,” he added before claiming so energised was he from the victory that he wanted to get back to the gym as soon as possible.”

“That win is after motivating me and I want to get back training as soon as I can. I want more wins like that and to win more convincingly.”

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