‘A crossroads fight’ – Gaughran predicts big things for Kerr with Alabi win
Ian Gaughran believes Connor Kerr’s eagerly anticipated clash with Bayo Alabi in Dublin this weekend could prove a defining moment in the Belfast fighter’s career.
The pair meet in one of a number of intriguing domestic clashes on the JB Promotions Judgement Day bill.
The bout is Kerr’s third all-Irish, having twice lost to Ruadhan Farrell in title fights – and his manager feels it’s important he gets a win on his return to the domestic at the National Stadium on Saturday.
If he does manage to have his hand raised after the Belfast – Dublin clash, the IGB boss believes a big 2027 awaits.
“This is a huge fight for Connor because it’s kind of almost a crossroads fight,” Gaughran told Irish-Boxing.com.
“A win here sets Connor up for big things in 2027.”
Gaughran warns against reading into Kerr’s domestic previous going into Saturday’s clash.
He says the fighter, who moves up in weight to fight the BUI Celtic champion, has made amendments to his approach and style that make him a different prospect.
“He showed a different side to himself when he fought last time” Gaughran added.
“He stuck to his game plan. Boxed really well. Like really classy.”
Gaughran’s confidence doesn’t just come from what he’s seen. He has got some inside knowledge into his charge’s camp, courtesy of stablemate Matty Boreland, who has sparred the Belfast man in the lead-up to the bout.
“Matty speaks very highly of where Connor is now,” he explained before predicting a high-level encounter.
“I think this fight has got the potential to be a pretty high-level boxing match.
“Connor was a high level amateur and is very talented. He was close to Commonwealth Games selection, he was at that level.”
