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Tea for two leads to entertainment for all – McCormack explains bizarre Karam fight origins


Like two old-school gentlemen, Graham McCormack [3-0] and Jade Karam [9(4)-9(4)-2] agreed to go to war over a cup of a tea.

The pair, who fight on this weekend’s eagerly anticipated Clash of the Titians card, politely explained how they would take each others heads off come March 30th over a pre-Christmas brew in McCormack’s house.

It’s a unique approach at a time when the brash call out and the big dis are in fashion, but considering the pair are friends there was no other way to do it.

“He was actually in my house just before Christmas and we had a chat. He told me he was up for the fight and he was coming to take my head off and I said the same to him. It was an interesting cup of tea,” the ever colourful McCormack told Irish-Boxing before explaining the kettle and not tempers was all the boiled over.

“I let him finish it and leave before I switched to business mode. We are mates and he is a good guy so we just chatted. I didn’t give him sour milk or anything either!”

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The Limerick man and the Cork-based South African are indeed mates, but the ‘G-Train’ is adamant he will view Karam just like he would he worst enemy when they step into the ring on Saturday.

“Yeah I am fighting a mate but it’s business for now. It will be business right up and until the fight is over. Mates is out the window for now and I am sure he feels the same way.”

“I have respect for him and he is a good guy but until this fight is over it’s just that a fight.”

Trying to inflict pain on a friend may might be a strange concept for some to understand, but McCormack explains that there are no love to be found inside the ropes.

Indeed, even when sparring stablemates it seems that gladiatorial instinct takes over and he points out it will be the same at the National Stadium this weekend.

“I never feel sorry for anyone in the ring. That’s boxing. It’s kill or be killed. In sparring I can be pretty vicious. Sparring is different to a fight, but your in with people you are close to sometimes and your both trying to hurt each other.

“If there is no friends in the sparring ring well that might explain to you what it’s like in a pro ring when your fighting in front of fans and a friend is standing between you and the next level.”

“It’s professional boxing and it’s a physically brutal sport and you can’t afford not to be up for it no matter who you fight.”

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Friend or foe, the light middleweight, who is scheduled to go six for the first time this weekend, is excited by the prospect of a step up this weekend.

The full of life Treaty man expects a test from his fellow Munster resident, but is happier in the knowledge it will be a more entertaining fight for the fans.

“I get excited when I hear he is coming to take the head of me. It’s way more exciting fighting against someone who is coming for you and coming to win at all costs. I am looking forward to a real challenge and look it’s a fight the fans will enjoy. That can never be a bad thing.”

Much to the frustration of his coach Eddie Hyland, McCormack’s fights have been a great watch to date.

The Limerick man’s desire to mix it up has afforded lesser opponents the chance to have some success in rounds.

It’s something his coach doesn’t want to see, but something the fighter claims he just can’t get out of his system.

“I can’t deny it I like to get in a fight. There is no point in denying that because you seen me fight. I love having it out. It’s not that I think I am billy big balls I just get excited.

“We have a real good game plan. We know what we have to do and I am 100 percent confident I will beat Jade this week.

“Eddie is at me to stick to the game plan but, you know me, I might give you a round of a pure dust-up just to keep you happy!”

Despite almost promising a period of all out warfare the Boxing Ireland fighter is aware that it may be dangerous against a fighter with a reputation for being tough and has four KO’s from 4 wins.

“Big punches and experience, that’s what he brings. He is a well-established fighter and he has been in with some very good guys.”

“I am not taking anything lightly. He has power and throws big wild shots so I will have to be on my A-game, but I plan to bring the A-game and I am confident of winning.”

Tickets for ‘Clash of the Titans’ cost €40 (general), €60 (ringside), and €100 (VIP) and are available from the boxers involved or Ticketmaster (CLICK HERE).

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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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