Mark Dunlop holds Tommy McCarthy World Title Talks

Tommy McCarthy could set up a world title shot with victory in Belfast on Saturday night.

‘The Mack Attack’ faces capable Latvian Reinis Porozovs in the chief support bout to Eric Donovan’s eagerly anticipated EU super featherweight title fight – and it appears he could secure a massive world title tilt with victory.

Manager Mark Dunlop revealed the former European Champion was on the verge of challenging for a world strap in the summer. Terms had been agreed with one of the reigning champions, only for the organization the unnamed champion holds a title with, to step in.

The governing body didn’t think McCarthy could go into a world title fight on the back of his last win, arguing the opponent wasn’t strong enough.

That alters live on TG4 this weekend as the Cruiserweight takes on Porozovs, a fighter who has tested some continental prospects in recent fights, and with the champion in question still not having a defence, the Belfast puncher could re open world title talks if he secures a victory.

“I was in talks to get Tommy a world title shot believe it or not but the strength of the last opponent wasn’t enough for this particular governing body,” Mark Dunlop told Boxing Tickets NI in an in-depth interview.

“The [world champion] he was meant to fight in that particular opportunity still hasn’t fought, so who knows what this fight could bring for Tommy. Tommy is right in the mix, he’s top 20 in the world, so if he puts on a good performance….”

Regardless of whether it comes next or not the MHD boss remains certain McCarthy will get his shot before it’s time to exit stage left.

“Let’s be straight Tommy is no joker at all. Tommy McCarthy will be back and he will be a champion again. No doubt about it he will fight for a world title before he hands them up.”

Dunlop also suggests that the Oliver Plunket’s graduate deserves a shot not just because of his talent but due to the willingness he has shown to fight over his storied career.

“While there may be a few cruiserweights out there, there are very few like Tommy McCarthy who are willing to fight anybody. Tommy is a true fighting man and I take my hat off to him, he’s never refused a fight in his life. One thing he hasn’t got is a padded record.”

Lawrence Okolie [WBO], Jai Opetaia [IBF], Arsen Goulamirian [WBA] and Ilunga Makabu [WBC] are the reigning world champions at 200lbs and none have a fight scheduled.