Chris Blaney given chance to make Irish comparison

Chris Blaney [3(1)-0] has 2017 Irish title ambitions, and his opponent for tomorrow night’s card at the National Stadium should give him a means of comparison with another one of the domestic super middles.

The Ginger Ninja will face Gabor Zsalek [11(6)-36(24)-2] over four rounds when he fights in Ireland for the first time since his debut this Summer.

Irish fight fans may remember the Hungarian from the last pro show at the National Stadium, one which the Navan man topped. Zsalek helped open the show in the away corner, being outpointed over six by BUI-ranked #2 Alan Donnellan on the FS Promotions bill. In what will be his first fight since, the Hungarian will take an opponent slot on the undercard of Red Corner’s first ever show.

The experienced and well traveled fighter may not be the most exciting of foes, but will give Blaney (BUI-ranked #3) the chance to measure himself against some known operators.

While here will obviously be the Donnellan comparision, Zsalek was also recently knocked out by former EU champ Andrea De Luisa and was an early opponent of World title-chasing cruiserweight Mairis Briedis.

While Blaney has stated his intentions to move down to middleweight in the near future, a title fight at 168lbs could tempt him to temporarily stay at the weight.

The division’s champion is JJ McDonagh.