George Bates ready to make his own luck and win first Senior title

George Bates has been around for a long, long time, but 2017 may be the year in which he finally makes the breakthrough.

The St Mary’s lightweight is set to compete in his third Senior Elite title having been denied by Sean McComb in 2013 and 2015 (via split decision).

The Tallaght fighter was one of the most impressive performers over the weekend’s semi finals, scoring a win over Monaghan’s Gary McKenna to progress to Friday’s final where he will face Galwegian Patrick Mongan.

Reflecting on the win, Bates told Irish-Boxing.com that “it was the perfect semi final, absolutely perfect. I boxed very well.”

“From the word go I felt very comfortable, felt I was picking my shots well. I aways felt in control and I wasn’t under too much pressure.”

Giving credit to the game McKenna, the Dubliner said “fair play to him, because I hit him with the kitchen sink, it was actually amazing because I caught him with some nice bodyshots in the first round and I thought that would slow him down but thy never seemed to bother him.”

With him now about to contest a third final, it would be understandable if Bates had become superstitious or wary, but the 23 year old is the picture of calm.

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling very confident,” he said.

“It’s my third time in the final, but I’m not going to say third time lucky – because you make your own luck!”