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McKenna v Carroll fight authorised by Boxing Union of Ireland

The Boxing Union of Ireland (BUI) have this afternoon authorised an intriguing BUI Celtic title clash.

The governing body have given the nod for Belfast light welter Tyrone McKenna [12(4)-0-1] to defend the belt he won against Sean Creagh in November, against another Dubliner – Ballyfermot’s Stephen Carroll [5(1)-0]

‘The Mighty Celt’ McKenna was one of the breakthrough stars of 2016, moving down to 140lbs and forcing a fifth round retirement on Creagh with a particularly impressive performance. ‘Shortty’ Carroll too had a good past year, fighting thrice including a step up to eight rounds and a hard fought win over Belfast veteran Jamesy Gorman which saw him claim the independent Celtic Nations belt.

The BUI had last year authorised an Irish title fight between McKenna and Dubliner Phil Sutcliffe following their respective impressive wins on the Boxnation show at the Titanic Exhibition Centre. Both parties are open to the fight, although McKenna this week told Irish-Boxing.com that he felt the bout is more likely to take place later in the year.

The BUI Celtic title is fought for over eight rounds and is intended to be a stepping stone to the Irish title.

It is unknown if both parties are agreeable to the fight, or where and when the bout would take place. McKenna seems certain to box on the Boxnation show in Belfast on February 18th at the Waterfront Hall. The fight could take place here – although Carroll has a keep-busy date in Scotland set for March 3rd.

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

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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