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‘Relevant’ Tommy McCarthy in talks for another ‘big’ fight

Tommy McCarthy could go straight back into significant action and might fight a known British name before the Summer is out.

‘The Mac Attack’ may have initially felt his chance to make a serious impact on a buzzing British cruiserweight scene was set back by his stoppage reverse to Richard Riakporhe back in March, but it seems that isn’t the case. 

The Belfast big man may not need a serious rebuild and he was happy to reveal he has been the subject to some appealing offers despite the defeat live on Sky.

Indeed, the 28 year old told press after his stoppage win over Jiri Svacina in the Europa Hotel on Saturday, that he is in talks with regard to a fight with a fellow known cruiser and could fight on a Matchroom show very soon. 

“Hopefully the next fight will be another big one,” McCarthy explained.

“In the last couple of weeks there have been some fight offers coming in, for big fights again. I can’t say too much, but I am still relevant.

“There is an offer at the minute and I said I am interested. It’s not to far away, maybe before Summer is over. Fingers crossed, we will see how it goes.”

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There is nothing singed as of yet, but McCarthy is content in the knowledge he has one more Matchroom fight on a two fight deal and he will get a chance at one of his fellow domestic contenders this year.

“If it doesn’t happen then hopefully (I’ll get a big one) around October or even September because it was a two fight deal with Matchroom.  Mark (Dunlop) is probably going to crack up because I am saying to much, but I have to big myself up. It might not even happen, but it’s just good the interest is still there.”

McCarthy, who did express a desire to fight  Iasc Chamberlin but didn’t suggest he was the subject of the talks, has suffered from inactivity throughout 2016, 17 and 18 but has already had three fights this year.

He certainly seems to be enjoying fighting regular and he wants his trips to the squared circle to frequent 2019 regardless of the opposition, venue or prize on offer.

“This year I have had three fights. I’d love to have another three or even four. I just want to fight all the time. Even wee shows like this it’s just great to know your working toward a fight.

“That is how you get better. Look at James Toney and other greats they just fought regular. Even when they were champions they would have none title fights just to sharpen the tools. You can only get so much out of sparring.”

The MHD fighter was speaking after beating awkward journeyman Svacina for the second time in just three months. He admits he initially didn’t think it was the ideal foe, but upon reflection he is content the Czech fighter enabled him to set a record straight.

Svancina, who was twice sent out of the ring by McCarthy a round before he was eventually stopped on Friday, took ‘Big Tommy’ eight at the Ulster Hall in February.

However, with a breakthrough fight with Riakporhe looming McCarthy explains he was more worried about suffering injury than securing a KO in the pairs first meeting. 

Feeling some had questioned how he went the distance with the journeyman opposition the first time round he was determined to secure a stoppage on the Feargal McCrory topped card.

“I am still top 10 in Britain so it’s still hard to get matched for small hall shows. We were trying to get someone else and it was just a nightmare. Mark told me he had this lad and I said definitely because the last time it went eight rounds and I didn’t look or feel good. I wanted to get him out and show I can stop him.

“The last time I probably could have done without fighting him because it was so close to the Richard Riakporhe fight. I don’t get cuts, but I was worried about some injury. I could have hurt my hand or shoulder or something. When I was saying to people after ‘I had to be cautious’ I don’t think they were buying it so I am glad I set the record straight now.”

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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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