Headline News

Pádraig McCrory – “After my last cancellation I was thinking ‘is boxing for me?'”


Since making his debut in June, Pádraig McCrory [1(0)-0] has had a nightmare few months in the ring.

The Belfast super middleweight has seen numerous fight dates cancelled both at home and in England.

The succession of let downs indeed led to McCrory taking some time off to reconsider whether he would pursue the sport.

‘The Hammer’ had seen his Celtic Nations title fight with Jade Karam called off, missing out on the chance to headline a bill at The Devenish Complex.

Thankfully the disappointments and the doubt have only served to make McCrory stronger, and he is back finally fighting at The Devenish in West Belfast tomorrow night.

McCrory boxes on the Ginley Promotions ‘Danger at The Devenish 2’ bill and approaches his much-delayed second fight in the best shape of his career.

This renewed focus and drive though comes after some dark days, and McCrory recalled to Irish-Boxing.com that “to be honest, after my last cancellation I was thinking ‘is boxing for me?’ and I took around 10 days off.”

“But I had a good think and realised how far I’ve came in a short period of time. I refocused the mind and I’m as ready as ever.”

“I think from June I’ve spared some tops lads, Tommy McCarthy, Steven Ward, Alfredo Meli, Hosea Burton, all British ranked and I’ve more than held my own. I’m learning all along I honestly believe I’m the best I’ve been.”

At 29, McCrory wants to be moved fast. A fight with Dublin-Dominican Manny Bique had initially been mooted, but he will now instead face Nicaraguan Michael Mora [11(4)-20(8)].

The St James’s man explained how “unfortunately Manny received a cut during his last fight I’ve got a replacement and this guy is probably a harder fight.”

“He’s a hard guy and definitely comes to fight but I know I’m above that level.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

dpg

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

x