Headliner Tyrone McCullagh – “This is what it’s all about, this is why you do boxing”

Tyrone McCullagh [7(4)-0] has moved into centre stage and the Derry super bantamweight is loving it.

Following the withdrawal of Tyrone McKenna, McCullagh now acts as the chief headliner on the Ginley Promotions bill at the Devenish Complex in Belfast on Saturday night

A pro just over two years now, it’s McCullagh’s first real taste of the big time and the Holy Family fighter is loving the limelight.

27 last week, McCullagh told Irish-Boxing.com that “there’s definitely a big buzz that comes with being the main event and also a bit more pressure but this is what it’s all about, this is why you do boxing, to be in these situations and I’m relishing the opportunity.”

“Being a headline act has helped me dig that bit deeper in camp and in spars. I’ve put in a real hard eight weeks graft and done more rounds than I ever have before and hopefully it’ll show on Saturday night.”

In his last fight McCullagh opened the Haskins v Burnett show at the SSE Odyssey Arena. An understated four-rounder, here he outpointed Jose Aguilar. This time round it’s the top of the bill and McCullagh acknowledges the need to put on a show.

“Of course there is a bit [a need to entertain],” he admits.

“Nobody likes a boring fight and especially not a headline fight, but as I’ve said, I’ve done the work, I’m ready to go, and if I preform on the night then I have no doubt it should be an entertaining performance.”

Scheduled for six just once and having never gone past four, McCullagh takes a step up to eight rounds for the headline fight – and he is intrigued by the prospect.

White Chocolate noted how “that’ll be interesting and I’ll have to box accordingly but I’m ready for it and I’m capable of doing it, I’ve done it in sparring so if it goes the eight then it’s no odds.”

Last night it was announced that McCullagh would take a step up to face game Colombian Jefferson Vargas [5(0)-6(0)] over eight rounds. Last-minute visa problems however have seen the South American scrapped. A new opponent is expected to be confirmed in the coming hours, with McCullagh set to face a fellow unbeaten prospect and strong amateur.

While the name can’t be announced, McCullagh is “delighted” with the last-minute upgrade.

Also featuring on the card this Saturday will be Stevie Collins Jr, Sean Turner, Marco McCullough, Davey Oliver Joyce, Gary Cully, Steven Ward, and Anto Upton.

Photo Credit: The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)