Aiden Metcalfe pulls out of Kelvin McDonald clash but NEW Irish fighter steps in

Boxing Ireland Promotions have done the ultimate salvage job after Aiden Metcalfe pulled out of his proposed Celtic Clash 9 bout.

The Dubliner was set to face Kelvin McDonald [2(0)-0] in what looked an intriguing early doors all-Irish clash.

Unfortunately Metcalfe [2(0)-1(1)] has had to pull out and it looked as if the Ulster novice would have to follow suit or take on journeyman opposition.

However, Stephen McAfee [5(2)-1(1)-1] has stepped up to the plate and as a result a potentially more exciting Dublin-Larne clash will ensue.

Absolutely cracking fight added to @CelticClash 9!!

Following the unfortunate withdrawal of Aiden Metcalfe, Irish title challenger Stephen McAfee will now face unbeaten @KelvinMcDonal14 on October 12 at the Devenish, Belfast. pic.twitter.com/fCaFgikcux

— Boxing Ireland Promotions (@LoveIrishBoxing) October 1, 2019

It’s brave move from new to the game McDonald. ‘Boom Boom’ takes on a recent Irish title challenger and BUI Celtic title winner in just his third fight.

Coming into this fight at less than two weeks notice, McAfee has again proved a great Celtic Clash servant and seems to be as open to competing in domestic fights as Boxing Ireland are to promote them.

The 28-year-old has been in two entertaining fights with Cork’s Colin O’Donovan and has shared the ring with Eric Donovan.

Indeed, the Sallynoggin fighter’s last clash was an Irish featherweight title fight with the former amateur standout.

Donovan won that TV broadcast clash via stoppage, but McAfee hasn’t looked for a gimme return. In fact he trades leather against what appears to be an equally keen to kick on Irish opponent at the Devenish come October 12th.

Boxing Ireland note how it’s an ‘absolute cracking fight’ and it certainly has the potential to be fight of the night.

Martin Quinn versus Stephen Webb is another mouthwatering domestic dalliance set for the card, which will be topped by Joe Fitzpatrick who fights Iago Barros for the vacant BUI Celtic title.

Other potentially exciting match ups include Connor Cooke versus Cork-based big man Staz Tomasevski while Sean McGlinchey returns versus Julio Cesar.

Owen O’Neill, Sennan Kelly, Aaron Gethins, Eddie Treacy, Sam Carroll, Dominic Donegan, Tony McGlynn, Conor Doherty and James Lynch also appear on the stacked Belfast card