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Title hopeful Jade Karam aiming to drag Keane McMahon into a war


It’s not easy always being in the away corner but Jade Karam remains hungry.

The Cork-based South African fights his fourth consecutive Irish boxer this coming Saturday night in Drimnagh where he provides the ‘step up’ for Dublin welter Keane McMahon [3(0)-0] over six rounds.

However, while McMahon, and indeed most, believe that the come-forward Karam [9(4)-7(3)-2] will play into his hands, ‘The Beirut Rebel’ is determined to drag the young prospect into deep waters.

In his last contest, up at middleweight, Karam built momentum throughout the fight, finishing strong and giving Jordan Latimer a real scare in what was ruled a 39-37 defeat.

Over the longer distance of six rounds, at a more natural weight, and following a month’s postponement that enabled a longer camp, the former Gauteng Provincial champion believes he can spring an upset over McMahon and launch his career in Ireland

“Four rounds is too short for me,” Karam notes as he reflects on the defeat to Latimer.

“I had a good fight last time out and I felt that i won it. Worst case it could of been a draw. I hope for a rematch and this time at six or eight rounds.”

The springbok slugger is focused on McMahon, however, and feels he can bring the 23-year-old inner city talent into the sort of fight he doesn’t want to be in.

The pair have sparred before and Karam is under no illusions regarding McMahon’s talents but remains confident.

He outlined how “Keane had a good amateur career and a decent pro career so far but he’s only fought journeymen.”

“I’m expecting a tough fight as Keane is a smart boxer but I keep improving and I expect a war come Saturday night.”

“The one month postponement has been good for me. Gave me some time off between fights and gave me time to better mentally prepare.”

Karam refuses to accept the journeyman tag and believes that it will only take one win for him to kick-start a career as a major player on the Irish scene and beyond.

The 28-year-old stated that “a win could put me in line for a title and that does motivate me as I had a title in South Africa so I know the feeling of being a champion and I’m hungry to feel that feeling again.”

“Come out to see me fight on Saturday as I’m making Ireland my home and I will be representing you in the future.”

“I’m proudly a Cork boy but the whole of Ireland need to unite and help me get to the world stage.”

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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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