“Age is only a number!” – Evergreen Shaun McShane looking to extend winning streak

He may be one of the oldest active Irish boxers but Shaun McShane [7(0)-4(0)-1] is feeling like a young man.

The 37-year-old Donegal light welterweight fights this weekend for the third time in 2018 following a big win last time out and hopes to set himself up for a title shot at the end of the year.

In February the Glasgow-based fighter outpointed the unbeaten Liall Mackenzie and he returns on Saturday at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on a Morrison Promotions dinner show.

Looking back on his last fight, the understated McShane told Irish-Boxing.com that “I had a good win away from home.”

“Liall was a tough boy and he came out hard and fast – and did so for the whole fight. I think just my experience showed more and I covered up and picked the cleaner shots.”

While the Mackenzie bout was seen as a fifty-fifty affair, it will be a return to journeymen opposition on Saturday for McShane who is looking to extend his career-best winning streak to four.

Having lost a second Scottish title fight to Eddie Doyle, McShane was then struck down with sepsis which stalled his career. Back now and racking up the wins, the Rosses man is prepared to wait for a third shot at a belt.

‘The Rocket’ outlined how “I’ve had a good run since the close points title. I’m in the running again but at the minute the lightweight and light welter titles are kind of tied up with people fighting for them and dates set – so we will see what the outcome of these are and take it from there.”

“But, first things first, I’ve to get Saturday night out of the way and then a wee rest. It’s been a busy year.”

“I’ve had three changes of opponent , one got injured, the others I’m not really sure, so I’m waiting on confirmation of the next one.”

McShane is in a good place physically and mentally and described how “I’m 37 surely but, as the old saying goes, ‘age is only a number’. I’m in better shape now than when I was 27.”

“People will say ‘ah he’s too old now’, but all the boys I spar and train with are in their early twenties and they know it doesn’t feel like an old man they’re in with!”

“I’ll know myself when it’s time to pack it in, when I start to slow.”