McLaughlin drops weight to move up the rankings- fights at welter in America tonight

MICHAEL McLaughlin has dropped down in weight in a bid to move up the rankings in 2015.

The American based Donegal man has been campagning at light middleweight for most of his career, but came in at welterweight ahead of his bout in Massachusetts on Thursday night.

And 30 old is determined to get busy at the new weight and claim an Irish title before the year is out.

Speaking to Irish-boxing.com ahead of tonight’s fight McLaughlin said:

“I’ve trained hard for this fight I just weighed in at welter a weight that I’ve not been in few years. I put it in my head  to get back to welterweight this year and I’ve done it and I plan to stay there now.

“I hope in for a big year. I’m not going to take any breaks after fights, which I’ve done in the past due to fights falling down. I hope to fight a lot this year and hope to capture the Irish welterweight title.”

McLaughlin fights on a card that also plays host to a Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan fight and the Irish title hopeful hopes ‘Spikes’ American move can benefit his career.

“I’m happy Spike is on the card. I know Spike through the amateurs. He is a nice fella and good fighter, which is good for the fans and I’d say this isn’t the only time I’ll b fighting along side him this year.”

McLaughlin has the chance to make it 10 career wins on Thursday and will be favoured against an old sparring partner Quincy Armory.

“My opponent is Rafeal Francis. He is  0-3, but  I spared him a few times way back and he’s actually not bad at all. I know I will have to be on my game to get the win and I will be just that.”