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Crank Whitehouse blasts Jay Byrne – “I’m a level above”

Crank Whitehouse [5(1)-0] wants to set the record straight.

The Balbriggan welterweight has been subject to chatter surrounding a fight with fellow Dubliner Jay Byrne [4(1)-1(0)] on the upcoming ‘Celtic Clash 2: The Rising’ card in Dublin.

Byrne is set to fight Rio Olympian Josh Kelly next week, but admits he is keen to take on Whitehouse in Dublin next month too.

When asked about the potential match-up, Byrne would tell Irish-Boxing.com that he had accepted the fight but that Whitehouse’s manager, Tony Davitt, doesn’t want it.

Upon reading this, Whitehouse contacted Irish-Boxing.com to explain that it was he who asked for the fight in the first place, and that he still wants to take on, and beat, Byrne.

Revealing the reason for this wish, the Fingal youngster explained that it stems from their common opponent – Spaniard Sergio Abad.

Whitehouse defeated the Mijas fighter over six (60:54) on the inaugural Red Corner Promotions bill in November. So impressed with Abad were the promoters, media, and fans the game journeyman was then brought back for the second Red Corner show in February. Here he took on Byrne, with the Dubliner claiming a 58:57 win.

In the aftermath of Byrne-Abad, promoter Red Corner would post the following to their social media:

Jay threw the gauntlet to other welterweights in Ireland as he handed Sergio Abad more effectively and comfortably than his counterpart Crank Whitehouse.

This annoyed 21 year old Whitehouse, but he remained silent. However, he now would like to clarify in light of today’s talk.

Whitehouse said “I just want to let people know the fight wasn’t turned down.”

“Red Corner put on social media that he [Byrne] handled Abad better then me. I said to Tony [Davitt] straight after that to make the fight.”

“I’d just like to remind Red Corner that I beat Abad every round, one-handed from the second on, 60:54. Jay was lucky to beat him, a point in it.”

“We should get the fight on and see what happens.”

Whitehouse also took issue with Byrne’s assertion that he has faced better opposition, arguing that he lacked ambition in his big Sky Sports fight with Felix Cash last month.

The European Schoolboys bronze medalist noted how “he said he’s fought better opponents then me – yes, fought Cash and got a pasting for six rounds. Trying to survive was all he was doing.”

“That’s something I couldn’t do. If I was down in a fight I’ll try to knock my opponent out or be knocked out myself.”

“I don’t settle for second best, he did. He was happy going the distance.”

“When Josh Kelly beats him he’ll be classed as a journeyman.”

Whitehouse concluded by stating of Byrne that “he’s done nothing as an amatuer, he has no pedigree, I’m a level above, let’s fight!”

Also set to feature on the Celtic Clash bill next month are Lynn Harvey, Eric Donovan, Sean Creagh, Stephen Carroll, Carl McDonald, Vladimir Belujsky, and debutants Keane McMahon, Liam Gaynor, John Joyce, and Regan Buckley, with more to be announced.

Tickets for ‘Celtic Clash 2: The Rising’ will be priced at €15 (Under 15s), €30, €40, €45, and €55 (Premium), and will be available from the boxers involved in the near future.

Photo Credit:
Jay Byrne – The Fighting Irish
Crank Whitehouse – Laszlo Geczo Photography

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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