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‘This event just got even bigger’ – first two Conlan undercard fights confirmed

 

Local favourites Paddy Barnes [5(1)-2(1)] and Sean McComb [7(4)-0] are the first two names officially confirmed on Michael Conlan vs. Vladimir Nikitin card at Féile an Phobail in Belfast on August 3.

It’s believed Anthony Cacace will challenge Sam Bowen for the British super featherweight title on the massive Falls Park hosted fight night later this Summer, but Barnes and McComb are the first to be publicly announced on the card.

The show will provide two-time Olympic medal winner Barnes with the chance to return to winning ways.

The popular Belfast fighter was last seen in the ring at bantamweight losing to Oscar Mojica in New York and will begin the comeback trail on the massive show.

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For McComb it’s reward for a sensational start to the pro game and he will be looking to continue his quick progression on the #MTKFightNight televised by ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.

“This event just got even bigger with the additions of two more of Belfast’s classiest and most popular boxers in Paddy and Sean,” said MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan.

“Very few fighters challenge for a world title in their sixth professional fight but Paddy has never been one to shy away. Having won two Olympic medals as an amateur, he now has a big stage on which to relaunch his second assault on the summit of professional boxing.

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“Sean, meanwhile, has been widely tipped by experts as one of the hottest prospects in the game. He achieved big things as an amateur as well and although he’s already fought at Windsor Park and at Boston’s TD Garden, fighting at Féile will be extra special for him too.”

Féile an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble is also excited by the news

 “It is fantastic news that two Belfast boxers, Paddy Barnes and Seán McComb, are the first two boxers announced for the Conlan v Nikitin Falls Park fight night undercard at Féile an Phobail.

“Paddy Barnes is a fantastic fighter and a great ambassador for boxing, who has excelled and achieved highly in the sport over many years.

“Seán McComb lives right beside the Falls Park Féile venue so this fight is literally in his back yard! An avid Gaelgeoir, he is an immensely popular, talented boxer with a great future ahead of him.

“The reception for Paddy and Seán in the Falls Park will be huge and we can not wait.”

The headline act on the night sees Conlan seek to resolve his long-running issue with Nikitin after the Russian was awarded a highly controversial decision when the pair met at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Initial tickets for the event sold out in less than two hours with further tickets now available to buy at ticketmaster.ie.

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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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