Irish light welters give their predictions for Tyrone McKenna v Jake Hanney
Tyrone McKenna [12(4)-0-1] looks to defend his BUI Celtic title for the first time tomorrow night in Belfast
‘The Mighty Celt,’ ranked #1 by the Boxing Union of Ireland, takes on #6-ranked Dubliner Jake Hanney [5(4)-0] on the big BoxNation bill at the Waterfront Hall.
It’s a quality match-up on the Jamie Conlan-topped card which also features an Irish super featherweight title fight between Declan Geraghty and James Tennyson.
Irish-Boxing.com asked boxers in and around the light welterweight division for their thoughts on the eight-round clash, and they make for some interesting reading:
Phil Sutcliffe Jr
12(7)-1(0)
BUI Rank: #2
I didn’t think Jake would have made the weight, I thought Jake would have struggled at the weight a lot more. He looks in fairly great shape. The three weeks [delay] was a blessing for him to make championship weight. I know Tyrone makes the weight fairly handy. It’s going to be an interesting fight. If Jake boxes well and doesn’t let Tyrone keep the distance, I don’t know. It could go either way.
Anto Upton
14(5)-1(0)
BUI Rank #3
I have boxed Tyrone in the amateurs, he has improved a lot, and I have also sparred with Jake Hanney. Jake carries a little bit of power, not devastating, but enough to put someone to sleep. I just think Tyrone will take him out late in the fight, maybe after 5 rounds Tyrone to stop him. Tyrone has got long arms and carries a bit of power also, and has had more experience than Hanney. If I was sticking my money on it, I would have Tyrone points or stoppage, I can’t see Hanney beating him at all.
Darragh Foley
10(7)-2(0)
BUI Rank #4
McKenna close on points.
Stephen Carroll
6(1)-0
BUI Rank #7
I’d say it will be an exciting fight, but Tyrone will give any boxer trouble. He’s so big for weight with such a long range. Jake is a busy fighter, n I feel Tyrone on decision.
Sean Creagh
4(2)-1(1)
BUI Rank #8
I’m going to go with Tyrone. I just see it slipping away from Jake the longer the fight goes on due to inactivity. Tyrone is getting a good run of fights so he has momentum, but I think Jake is very dangerous in first few rounds. It’s an interesting fight and I think if Jake had the same momentum as Tyrone, things could be different. I wish both lads luck, it’s a great fight and fair play to both putting it all on line. More fights like this should happen. I know jake fancies it, so up the Dubs. All the Belfast lads stick together, so I’m still supporting Jake.
Ray Moylette
1(0)-0
BUI Rank #9
I’ve no prediction for McKenna v Hanney. It doesn’t bother me who wins that. I have boxed with McKenna on the amateur circuit and he poses no threat to me. Hanney on the other hand took a couple of years out and my opinion is he should have stayed away. Only one light welter around here.
Gerard Whitehouse
5(1)-0
BUI Rank #10 (at welterweight)
I don’t really know both of them to be honest. Two undefeated boys, should be good fight.
Have your say – VOTE in our Tyrone McKenna v Jake Hanney poll
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
Jamie Conlan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill for Episode 3 of The Irish Boxing Show:
