McCullagh: I am glad to be leaving clowns running the Amateur game behind

TYRONE McCullagh last shot as an amateur was fired the way of the IABA.

The former Holy Family amateur has decided to ditch the vest and claims ‘clowns’ in the Irish Amateur Boxing Association were the catalyst behind his decision to change codes.

McCullagh, a regular at the National finals and an Ulster finalist, feels aggrieved claiming he was on the end of bad decisions both in and out side the ring. As a result he has elected to turn over and will begin a pro journey this year.

In fairness to the IABA it is hard to keep such a substantial amount talented Irish fighters happy, but McCullagh certainly feels passionate about how he felt he was treated.

“I turned over because the people who manage or run the amateur game here in Ireland are clowns. I’ve had enough bad decisions both in the ring and outside to do me a lifetime and it was clear to me that I wasn’t liked by the powers to be, so I decided to move one,” McCullagh told Irish-boxing.com.

McCullagh has yet to sign pro terms with, but had an April 4 debut lined up. However, his brother took critically ill in the lead up to the fight and pulled out. Understandably his pro career is for the moment on hold.

“I actually haven’t signed with anyone as of yet. I was due to make my debut on Neil Marsh’s show in Blackpool on April 4, but the week before my brother took critically ill and I was forced to pull the plug. He’s still in the same condition at the minute so everything is still on pause. But hopefully he will turn the corner soon and as soon as he does I’ll be looking for a manager and looking to make my debut,” he added

“Like I said I have been waiting a while for my debut so I cannot wait for it and to start a new career. This is what it’s all about.”

‘Awkward’ is the most common word used by fighters who have shared the ring with McCullagh and the Derry fighter plans to prove nightmare opposition as a pro too.

“I don’t plan on changing my style too much. I’ve always been awkward, which is an advantage, but obviously there are certain areas which I will need to work on. The pro game is different I will have to work on a slower pace, more aggression and stuff like that. I’ve got the best coaches possible to help me adapt and learn the game though and I am confident I will do well. The short term plan is to get my debut out of the way. I’ve been waiting a while for it and then have a solid first year as a pro and take it from there.”