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Noely Murphy hoping to make big breakthrough following first headline appearance


Noely Murphy [11(2)-0] is back in Ireland and ready to take what could be a breakthrough step.

The Cork welterweight headlines his first bill on Saturday night, topping the Red Corner Promotions ‘Champions Elect’ show at the National Stadium in Dublin – and a win here could lead to a big fight in America..

It’s been a sensational 2017 for the New York-based pro coming off the back of a disappointing 2016.

Last year Murphy fought just twice, but this weekend will be his fifth bout of 2017. His headline slot here comes after two appearances on major U.S. cards and an Irish homecoming, with his level of opposition steadily rising.

His eight-rounder with former EU champion Gyorgy Mizsei Jr [25(15)-20(8)-1] will be his fourth over the distance, and Murphy believes a win here could lead to a TV debut in America.

The Lou DiBella-promoted prospect is ready for the next level and told Irish-Boxing.com that “I’m there, I’m nearly there. I feel like Lou DiBella’s next step for me is to put me on TV and I’m ready for that.”

“Whatever he wants, I’m ready for that. I want that step up and I want to be recognised as one of the best in New York.”

“About a year back there we had a bad spell, a lot of fights fell through. It’s no good, you get disheartened by it. But now we’re extremely busy and that’s thanks to my promoter Lou DiBella, he’s keeping me fierce busy and giving me these fights.”

“As long as they keep popping up, I’ll keep taking them.”

A BUI Celtic title defence with Stephen Carroll unfortunately fell through, as did some other proposed title defences. However, while Mizsei’s record is unattractive, the Hungarian will provide a capable foe and has upset the odds on numerous occasions.

“It’s still a decent opponent,” stressed Murphy.

“You can’t overlook anybody in this game because it only takes one punch. You have to get in there and be ready to fight. I’m going to be ready no matter who steps in across from me, whether they’re 0-10 or 10-0, it doesn’t matter.”

The Macroom 23 year old’s fans almost took the roof off the National Stadium for his homecoming in February, and an even larger crowd are expected at the weekend.

Based full-time in Woodlawn, Murphy is happy to be back fighting in Ireland and can really feel the difference in the crowds.

The red-haired Rebel outlined how “it’s not as boisterous [in America] as it is here. There’s a reason the Irish have a reputation for being a good crowd.”

“It adds to me in the ring. Sometimes you have to calm yourself down because you can’t rush in or make stupid mistakes. It’s an indescribable feeling really, to have that kind of support.”

“I like being home. I’ll be here for a bit after the fight. Before the fight I wont be doing too much, just losing weight and training, but after the fight I’ll get to relax a bit.”

“I’m preparing in my amateur club Father Horgan’s with my old coach Tom Power. He actually did the corner for my last fight in the Barclays Centre. My trainer Marcos Suarez will be over on Friday morning.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – 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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