McDonagh ready to follow in Steve Collins’ footsteps
JJ McDonagh is looking to follow in the footsteps of Irish legend Steve Collins.
Manager Kaz Evans has confirmed McDonagh will fight for the vacant WBO European championship at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday, June 4.
Evans says victory for the Irish champion from Mullingar will “guarantee” a top-15 ranking with the WBO.
That ranking would make him eligible for a shot at the world title, currently held by Gilbert Ramirez.
The Mexican southpaw took the WBO belt off Arthur Abraham with a landslide points win in April.
Former holders of the WBO super-middleweight title include Collins.
‘The Celtic Warrior’ held the title in the 1990s – retiring as undefeated champion – and Evans reckons McDonagh could be “a couple of wins away” from getting his shot.
Evans expects McDonagh’s opponent for the WBO European belt to be named in the next few days, but the likelihood is he will face Aliaksandr Sushchyts, a Belarusian with 21 wins in 25 fights (one draw).
Sushchyts is on a five-fight winning streak, while in his most recent fight, McDonagh retained his Irish title with a points win over Darren Cruise in Crawley in April.
Also on the show at the York Hall next month, Larry Ekundayo defends his African Boxing Union welterweight title.
Tickets are available from 07798-655375.
