“Don’t let the name fool you” – Paddy McDonagh throws first verbals at Steve Collins Jr

Paddy McDonagh [10(0)-2(0)] does not care one bit about the proud fighting family of upcoming Irish title opponent Stevie Collins Jr.

Indeed McDonagh has urged fans to ignore ‘The Wolfhound’s famous surname and acknowledge that it is he who is “the man” in the Irish light heavyweight division.

The former holder of the belt was yesterday announced to be facing Collins [10(4)-0-1] for the title on Saturday June 24th at the National Stadium in Dublin on the Red Corner ‘For Honour & Pride’ show.

Now, less than 24 hours after confirmation, McDonagh has thrown the first verbal jab, claiming that he can win the ten-round title fight “easily.”

Collins comes from a strong Irish fighting family. The Castleknock puncher is coached by his uncle and multiple-time Irish Trainer of the Year Paschal, and is of course the son of two-weight world champion Steve Sr.

This surname, McDonagh believes, has led to people over-estimating the talent and the standing of Collins, and the Westmeath boxer has vowed to prove he is the better man this Summer

“There are levels,” said McDonagh, “and I know where I’m at.”

“Don’t let the name fool you, I can beat this man easily on my day so I’ll be getting the head down in camp and looking to get the victory and show everyone who is the man in this division.”

“I’m chomping at the bit for this fight.”

Slick southpaw McDonagh will not have boxed in over two years by the time fight night comes round, and promoter Kaz Evans is hopeful that the bout can be used as a springboard for the 25 year old.

The Assassin Promotions boss said that “this is a fight we’ve been looking at for a while so it’s good to get it over the line for June 24th.”

“The winner puts themselves right back in the mix in the division and can bag the Irish title in front of a packed crowd.”

Collins v McDonagh is one of two Irish title fights announced for the bill, with Luke Keeler taking on Darren Cruise for the middleweight belt. Also featuring will be Thomas Finnegan, Craig O’Brien, and debutant Victor Rabei, with many more still to be announced.

Ticket details will be announced soon.