“I wasn’t planning on hanging about anyway” – Short notice step-up no problem for Poddy McCrory

Pádraig McCrory [1(0)-0] has just one four round fight under his belt.

Just 12 minutes of professional action against a negative journeyman, but now he jumps straight into a domestic dust-up for a title over right rounds.

On Friday night at the Devenish Complex in Belfast, McCrory headlines a Kieran Farrell Promotions card where he takes on Cork-based South African Jade Karam [9(4)-4(2)-2] for the Celtic Nations super middleweight title.

Initially the chief support on the night, already a step up to six rounds for McCrory, the fight was bumped up to eight last week following the postponement of the Sean McGlinchey v Gerard Healy headline clash.

Thrust into centre-stage, McCrory feels it was a no brainer.

‘The Hammer’ is 29 years old and has had two fight dates cancelled in recent months. A gym junkie, McCrory is ready to make the leap in levels.

Less than four months on from his debut, McCrory tells Irish-Boxing.com that “I definitely never thought I’d be boxing eight rounds for a minor title in my second fight but I’m happy with it.”

“After the Frampton cancellation I was a bit deflated but my friends got around and we give me a great night out and I was straight back into camp. The second fight [a four rounder in Blackpool] I just took it on the chin as I had this date still in the pipeline.”

“I wasn’t planning on hanging about anyway. Earlier than expected, but what will be will be.”

The popular St James’s man believes the quick progression is an opportunity rather than a risk, and recalled how “me and the team got the call and didn’t think twice we believe I’m ready.”

“I got a lot more excitement than nerves, I feel I can make the most of this opportunity so early in my career.”

“Going from camp to camp I feel fitter than ever. I was training for a hard six rounds anyway so the two rounds I can’t see being an issue!”

In Karam he faces a game opponent who will be coming to win. A former provincial champion in the Rainbow Nation, Karam is not a ‘second fight opponent’ – indeed during the Summer he took on 11-0 hot prospect Morgan Jones on a big Sky Sports show

McCrory is happy with the step up and confident ahead of Friday’s bout.

The Holy Trinity graduate described how “Ive seen clips and have had a look at his record. His record is decent so I’m expecting a decent fight but I’ve very confident in my ability and under [Ginley brothers, trainers] Ray and Mark I feel better than ever!”

“I’m going for the win nothing less.”

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