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Not just an opponent – Julio Cesar ready to show he’s a next level fighter

Julio Cesar [2-4(3)] claims he belongs at the next level and is ready to show why come Celtic Clash 9.

The Angolan born Belfast fighter meets Sean McGlinchey[2-1] in what could prove an entertaining clash on the ninth installment of the Boxing Ireland series.

The super middleweight pair battle it out for the Celtic Nations title, a strap with great history at the Devenish, the venue for this fight.

‘The Gladiator’ is delighted with the chance to win a trinket and is confident he will grasp the opportunity.

“It’s my first title fight, so I am very pleased, career wise winning this will take me to the next level. I am not looking beyond this one it’s one fight at a time, but winning it will bring me to the next level,” he told Irish-boxing.com.

Some might be surprised to hear such confidence from the Glean ABC trained fighter. At first, maybe even second glance the fighters record isn’t overly impressive.

After debut win he lost four on the bounce before returning to winning ways in May. Upon further investigation it becomes obvious that Cesar jumped up the levels fairly fast, his four defeats came away from home against prospects with winning records.

Indeed, it looks like the Belfast resident had slipped into journey man mode. However, he is adamant that isn’t the case, and remains equally as staunch when it comes to expressing that ‘next level’ belief.

“I honestly never considered that I had slipped into opponent mode. Those defeats are just the way things unfolded. I believe I have the skills to belong on the next level. I can’t wait for this fight I am feeling good, sharp and fit. I am not worried if people see me as an underdog, you will see come fight night.”

The Celtic Clash 9 card will be topped by Joe Fitzpatrick, who fights Spain’s Iago Barros for the vacant BUI lightweight Celtic title. Stephen Webb and Martin Quinn provide all Irish entertainment, as does Stephen McAfee versus Kelvin McDonald. Conor Cooke and Szar Tomasevski is another interesting match up while the likes of Eddie Treacy, Owen O’Neill, Aaron Gethins and more appear.

Derek McKenna

Co-founder of Junior Sports Media who has been covering boxing since 2013. Has extensive experience in sports writing, sub-editing and online journalism. Email: Co-founder of Junior Sports Media who has been covering boxing since 2013. Has extensive experience in sports writing, sub-editing and online journalism. Email: thejuniorsoccerportal@gmail.com

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