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Graham McCormack vows to prove he belongs in pro boxing

Graham McCormack [2(0)-0] is fit, focused, and ready to show his true worth this Saturday.

Following a dramatic debut where he was hurt in the opening round and an under-par second fight, the Limerick light middleweight is determined to prove his talents on the ‘Celtic Clash 6’ card in Dublin this weekend.

Initially due to appear on the Celtic Clash 6 bill last month, a hand injury saw him moved to the JB Promotions bill set for last week. However, with Celtic Clash 6 being rescheduled [and ‘The Beginning’ subsequently being cancelled], McCormack has found himself fighting this weekend.

The delays have worked in his favour, and McCormack explained to Irish-Boxing.com how “I got an injury in my hand and, to be honest, it was probably a blessing in disguise. I needed the couple of weeks off to re-evaluate myself mentally.”

“I’m really focused now, I’ve never been as focused as I am now. I’ve never as been as disciplined with my food, my training, everything, it’s just going great. Every fighter says camp has gone great but this camp has gone fantastic.”

“Spiritually, mentally, physically, I feel fantastic and I’m just looking forward to getting in there.”

McCormack is especially disappointed with his performance last time out at the WIT Arena in February where he outpointed Jozsef Takacs but notes how there were plenty of mitigating circumstances.

The southpaw described how “I didn’t do myself justice last time, I had a terrible camp, there was a lot of stuff going on outside and I wasn’t really focused. I’m not going to blame anybody but myself and this camp I’ve just locked myself away.”

I had to lose 16-and-a-half kilos in four-and-a-half weeks. That was my own fault. I didn’t really mourn my grandad dying, he was a big part of my life. I didn’t see my kids for ten months, I was going through a court battle and it all kind of got on top of me.”

“I tried to not let it bother me but it did and the weight came on me. I had to lose all that weight and I was just stressed out, I couldn’t focus.”

“I couldn’t wait for the fight to be over – now I can’t wait to get in there.”

Working hard under Eddie Hyland in Tallaght, McCormack is ready to put weeks of hard work into practice.

The 31-year-old outlined how “it’s hard leaving my family, it’s a sacrifice, but it’s what I need to do. I’m treated very well by Eddie and Eddie’s mother has put me up, it’s like a home away from home. It feels fantastic and I’m really look to have the team I have around me, they make me feel so comfortable when I come up here”

“My head has been down, I’m feeling great in sparring, I’m feeling great in the gym. I know for a fact that Saturday will be my best performance and I’m just looking forward to getting in there and doing myself justice.”

Doing himself justice is a big thing for The G-Train.

He doesn’t want to be seen as a ticket-seller or an inspirational story – McCormack wants to make waves and believes he has the talent to do so.

The likeable fighter noted how “people haven’t seen me box, they’ve seen me fight. I love fighting and I’ll always be in exciting fights but I want to show at bit of boxing at the weekend and that I can actually box, I’m looking forward to putting on a show.”

“I’m looking to make a statement and show that I mean business. I’m not here just to say that I’m a pro boxer, I’m here to eventually chase after titles.”

“It will all come in good time but it will eventually come for me at some stage.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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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

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