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Shaun McShane ready to take on unbeaten prospect following world champion sparring


While most Irish boxing eyes are focused firmly on the National Stadium in Dublin and the conclusion of the Elite Senior Championships on Saturday night, there are a handful of pro punchers from these shores in action overseas.

Wexford heavyweight Niall Kennedy fights in Boston while fellow big man Sean Turner takes on top prospect Filip Hrgovic in a short notice clash in Germany.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, Donegal light welter Shaun McShane [6(0)-4(0)] has a big fight of his own.

The Rosses fighter takes on unbeaten prospect Liall Mackenzie over four rounds at the Double Tree in Aberdeen.

It’s another big fight for the Glasgow-based puncher who has twice challenged for the Scottish title and comes into the bout off the back of two consecutive wins over Belfast journeymen Alec Bazza and Jamsey Gorman.

In good shape, McShane told Irish-Boxing.com that “I’m feeling okay.”

“I had the flu after the last fight and it took a while to shake off but all has went well after it.”

“It’s actually only four weeks since my last fight!”

Tomorrow night’s scrap looks to be an even one, and McShane explained how “I’m the home fighter as far as you’d say – but we’re both coming from different parts so neither of us really are.”

“I’m not being brought in as an opponent just for him, the fight was just made and both camps were asked,” he clarified before discussing the match-up with his usual logical outlook, revealing some world class sparring that he has been getting in in the build-up

“I don’t treat them [big fights] any different to be honest. A fight’s a fight and you just train for the distance you’re doing.”

“I’ve had a couple of good spars with Charlie Flynn and Ricky Burns so if I can hold my own with them lads I’ll be okay!”

mcshane burns

In terms of Mackenzie, McShane has no issue facing a hungry prospect, and admitted that “I don’t really know much about him.”

“He’s 2-0, orthodox, and popular where he hails from – a place called Wick.”

“I don’t usually dig into much about my opponent. Normal stuff I’ll ask just – Is he orthodox or southpaw? What kind of record? and where is he from? That’s it.”

“You’ll know in first round what you’re dealing with!”

“Hopefully all goes well now and I’ll get back out in mid to end of April in a Glasgow venue.”

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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