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John McCallum volunteers to replace Padraig McCrory in Ireland’s Last Man Standing


The Ireland’s Last Man Standing competition was hit with a big blow yesterday when it emerged that Belfast’s Padraig McCrory will not feature in the March 3rd tournament.

‘The Hammer’ was one of the eight fighters announced for the single-elimination middleweight fight night, however the big money bracket is now left a boxer short.

The two ‘back-ups’ for the tournament have not been publically announced, and one boxer has come out to state his desire to restore the night to a full complement of contenders.

Dublin-base Edinburgh super middleweight John McCallum [10(0)-1(1)] has put his name forward to step in and join Roy Sheahan, Alfredo Meli, Chris Blaney, Thomas Finnegan, Henry Coyle, Bernard Roe, and Sean McGlinchey in the competition which boasts a minimum of €25,000 for the winner.

Out of action since October 2016, the 29-year-old has recently relocated to Ireland and has been targetting the tournament.

The Steve Goodwin-managed McCallum told Irish-Boxing.com “I think they should pick me as I believe I can win the tournament in style and have a huge travelling support that can bring a good atmosphere to the event – not too mention the revenue I would bring from ticket sales and the bar.”

“I think I’m well suited to the tournament. After 147 amateur fights, I tend to start fast and explosive from the opening bell.”

Having been around the circuit in the amateurs and around the gyms in the pros, McCallum is familiar with the Irish scene – and is ready to tear through it.

The Scot outlined how “I’ve seen Roy Sheahan in the amateurs and I’ve met Thomas Finnegan who’s a nice lad.”

“I’ve never seen any the rest box but taking freindships aside its a business and I know I can win the tournament so I will happily fight anyone in it and any super middle or light heavyweight.”

“Me and my team are always open to offers and opportunities to help progress my career.”

dpg

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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