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Karl Kelly handed tough debut fight – with domestic rivalry angle


Dublin super feather Karl Kelly wont have a handy introduction to the pro ranks on Saturday night .

The Monkstown puncher makes his debut on October 7th at the National Stadium on the Red Corner Promotions ‘Champions Elect’ bill in Dublin.

It has been confirmed that the experienced former semi-pro will face Damian Lawniczak [4(0)-24(3)-1] over four in his pro bow.

The Polish puncher will be familiar to Irish fans as he is the man Eric Donovan debuted against last year and, just last month, he was edged out by a point by another Dublin debutant in Aiden Metcalfe.

Crumlin’s Metcalfe had to endure a late charge from Lawniczak at the Stadium on the Celtic Clash 3 bill, but survived to claim a 39-38 win on the referee’s scorecard.

Metcalfe has thrown some verbal jabs the way of Kelly on social media over the last week, and the selection of the tough Eastern European fighter has taken on a new angle.

Red Corner’s Jonathan Graham explained that Lawniczak “has been in with Eric Donovan and Aiden Metcalfe and Jay [Byrne, Kely’s manager] was very anxious to get the fight because of this.”

“Jay reckons Karl is going to do a number on him and by doing that he’ll impress everyone and that will create an interest and a comparison with some domestic lads.”

“Credit to Jay, what he has is rubbing off on his fighters, and their always willing to take a fight.”

The fight this weekend will be Kelly’s first of two bouts in 13 days. He boxes again on Friday October 20th at the CityWest in Saggart on the inaugural SK Promotions show – ‘Next Generation’

Champions Elect also features debutants Craig McCarthy and Karl Kelly, Victor Rabei, Noely Murphy, Allan Phelan, a fight between super middleweights Vladimir Belujsky and Manny Bique, and a BUI Celtic title fights for Chris Blaney.

Tickets cost €40 (gallery) and €60 (ringside) and are available from the boxers involved.

‘New Generation’ also features Liam Gaynor, Chris Mullally, and the debut of Luke Boyle.

Tickets cost €35 (general) and €55 (ringside) and are available from the boxers involved.

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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