Noely Murphy ready for toughest test ahead of Irish homecoming

If Noely Murphy [6(2)-0] has rubbed the genie in the bottle, he only has one more wish left as two look to have already been granted.

Not only will he tonight get the step up in class he requested this year, he also reveals there are plans for a homecoming clash early in 2017.

The Cork welterweight, who is predicting a “massive” 2017, returns to the ring in Connecticut this evening and takes on Mohamed Allam [3(1)-1(0).

Allam may not be a known name, but he comes to the ring with a winning record to protect and on the back of a victory over a previously undefeated 4-0 prospect.

The flamed-haired 22 year old feels his opponent will come full of confidence and with a real desire to win – and as a result he suggests that this is not just the kind of fight he needs, but the type of challenge he has pushed for.

“I think this guy is a winner. He has a winning mentality so you always have to be careful with guys like that, fighters with losing records can be broken a lot more easily. He will come with the same mentality [as me] I believe, but won’t have the skills to go with it,” Murphy told Irish-Boxing.com.

“It is definitely a step up but it doesn’t bother me one bit I’m sparring World class fighters and World champions here [New York] and I’m well able for any of them! I’m always asking to be stepped up and it’s beginning to happen now thankfully.”

The Lou DiBella-promoted Murphy thinks the Foxwoods Resort-hosted clash will be his last this year, but he is excited about what 2017 has to offer.

The Cork man’s team are exploring the possibility of a fight in Ireland and he feels it would be the great way to kick of a ‘defining’ year.

“I think this will be the last one this year, if something else pops up we will take it but I don’t think there’s anything coming up, the insurance issue is hurting boxing in New York at the moment.”

“In the new year my manager is trying to get me a fight at home, so I’m hoping that comes to fruition, I couldn’t think of a better start to the year. Next year will be a massive year for me, I will be getting tested more and more so it’s going to be a defining year.”

Top Rank have spoke of the importance of building Mick Conlan Stateside from the off and it’s something, although on a smaller stage, that Murphy is used to.

The Macroom man admits it may be more difficult at the novice stage, without the Eastern European journey men to build against, but claims his red hair is a help in terms of profile.

“It’s definitely a tough place to start, everybody can fight and they know how to make it awkward for you. but I think that will only benefit me in the long run. Plus I’m very lucky to have red hair and be Irish in New York because people don’t forgot you too easily! So I always pick up a few new fans after each of my fights which is great.”