Headline News

17-year-old Kilkenny amateur star to turn professional


One of Ireland’s most decorated underage boxers is to turn professional before even entering the Senior ranks.

Kilkenny bantamweight Brandon McCarthy has won a staggering 12 Irish titles and remains eligible for Youth level next year but is set to make the big move to the pros at the tender age of 17.

Local media are today carrying news of McCarthy’s defection.

From Cloghan but boxing out of St Michael’s Athy, McCarthy has represented Ireland five times, out of a possible five, at European Championships, winning Schoolboys silver in 2014.

In 2018, along with three Irish crowns, McCarthy reached the European Youth quarters, losing a contentious split in his bronze medal bout, and represented the country at the World Youth Championships.

While there were high hopes for the Cat among amateur boxing circles, he is electing to make an early switch to the paid ranks and is said to have the support of his club and family in making the move.

‘The GOAT’ McCarthy has not yet signed a management deal but is believed to be meeting with prospective parties in the near future.

The talented teen would be ineligible to take out an Irish licence until he turns 18 next February and, if he does make his debut, he will become Ireland’s second-youngest pro after Cork lightweight James Power who is two months younger.

McCarthy would become Kilkenny’s only active pro boxer and the fourth current St Michael’s Athy pro after major senior international medallists Eric Donovan, Roy Sheahan, and Davey Oliver Joyce.

dpg

logo may

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

x