Headline News

Keane McMahon aiming to prove big talk in first title fight


Keane McMahon [6(3)-0] believes his trip to Scotland this weekend is proof he is ready to back up some big talk.

Having failed to tempt any of a number of domestic welterweights into the ring, ‘The Iceman’ is off to Aberdeen in a bid to secure domestic honours in the form of the vacant BUI Celtic welterweight title.

The Dave Murphy-managed Boxing Ireland fighter takes on young southpaw Dean Sutherland [6(2)-0] and mans the away corner on a Sam Kynoch show this Saturday night.

McMahon previously revealed taking what some may perceive a risk was necessary as he couldn’t get fights with his Irish rivals made – and points to the fact he is willing to go into the ‘lion’s den’ shows he means it when he says he is the best and hungriest at the weight in Ireland.

“I have been trying to make things happen since I turned pro. Winning this title, in the lion’s den, just proves that I have the balls to back up what I am saying,” McMahon told Irish-Boxing.com before suggesting a BUI Celtic title, which puts one in line for the Irish title, will open doors to the fights he desires.

“It would be nice to win this title. It will be a stepping stone to bigger titles in the future and the fact is, I’m still young!”

There was a time last year when titles looked some way off for the Inner City fighter.

Some out of the ring issues slowed down his career to a degree, but with hard work and the support of a close-knit team, McMahon is now on the verge of a first career title.

“With hard work and belief I think anything is possible but without my team I wouldn’t be where I am. My manager Dave and coach Richie [Fox] have invested a lot of time and effort into me. My whole team has and I am grateful for that.”

Since seeing his Aberdeen opponent in the flesh on the same card that Jay Byrne successfully defended his BBBofC Celtic light middleweight title in March, the Dub has been confident of victory.

In recent Irish-Boxing.com interviews, McMahon suggests he will be too good, too big, and too strong for a foe that has been sparring with Belfast prospect Lewis Crocker in the build up to the clash.

McMahon believes the Scots have taken his interviews the wrong way and is insistent he respects the challenge ahead.

He points out he is confident but by no means arrogant.

“The confidence comes from my hard work and preparation and the fact I’ve always believed in myself,” explained the 24-year-old.

“The Scottish media maybe thought I have been somewhat disrespectful to Dean but it’s not the case. We’re both on our own journeys and he’s in my way, nothing but respect for anybody who steps in the ring,” he continues before revealing former kickboxer Sutherland is by far the best fighter he has signed to fight since turning over.

“He’s definitely the best I’ve faced he’s a very good fighter but I am a very good fighter as well. I know I’m good enough to beat him.

“He is a good slick and solid southpaw he’s an all round good fighter, but I seen a lot of holes and believe I will exploit them on the night.”

“I believe my pedigree will help in this fight. I think I am a better all around boxer than him and believe I punch hard enough to stop him. We will see on the night.”

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

dpg

logo may

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

x