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No added pressure for Gearoid Clancy ahead of crucial Irish title defining fight

Galway’s Gearoid Clancy [6(1)-4(0)] is Irish title hungry, but has one more hurdle to clear before his lightweight title fight with Paul Hyland Jr can be made.

The Oughterard fighter is being eyed by MHD Promotions as the opponent for Hylo on their February 4th card at the Europa Hotel, but it is believed that the Boxing Union of Ireland want Clancy to get one more win under his belt before the bout will be authorised.

‘The Galway Assassin’ confirmed this to Irish-Boxing, saying that “that’s the understanding I’m getting, but nothing’s definite until it’s signed on paper.”

“I made it clear I want it and so did he, so hopefully it can happen. I’m looking for big fights early next year either way once I get over this one.”

32 year old Clancy faces Thailand’s Akrapong Nakthaem [17(5)-21(10)] at the Horden Pavilion in Sydney on Friday morning over six rounds in what is therefore a crucial fight, but there is no extra pressure for Clancy, who explained that “I take every fight the same, they’re all a must win, so I’m used of putting myself under that pressure. This fight is no different, it’s a must win.”

The clash comes six weeks following his most recent win, and former New South Wales champion Clancy explains how “I had a couple of days off after the last fight and then straight back into it to get ready for this. I’m working hard as always and we started to move in the right direction in the last fight so we’re just adding to that this camp, upping the work rate, sitting on shots. I’m feeling it’s all coming together and feeling comfortable in there, so I’m just looking for more improvements this Friday.”

“I’m fighting a tough Thai kid, he has being in against some of the best in this country and gave them a good run for their money, so it will be good to see where I’m at. I know he is tough but I just plan on fighting my own fight and putting together everything we have been working on in the gym.”

“If I can do that and improve again on my last fight and get the W it will be a good night all round.”

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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