Tommy McCarthy secures massive EU title shot

 

Tommy McCarthy [15(8)-2(1)] has secured a shot at the continental and will challenge for the vacant EU European title before the year is out.

Irish-boxing.com can confirm the European Boxing Union today mandated ‘The Mac Attack’ and Fabio Turchi [17(13)-0] to fight for the vacant strap.

Both the Belfast fighter and the Italian’s team have until noon on September 24th to reach an agreement with regard to the finances, venue and date for the clash.

If a deal can’t be reached the title fight will go to purse bids with the highest bidder earning the right to promote the fight.

The EU title is not to be mixed up with the EBU strap – the EU proving the secondary of the two most coveted and recognised continental crowns. However, claiming a title Paulie Hyland won the super bantamweight version of to set up a massive European title fight with Willie Casey, would open doors for ‘Big Tommy’.

Indeed, it would put him in prime position to fight for the EBU crusierweight crown, which interestingly enough champion Yves Nagabu puts on the line against Lawrence Okolie on an October or November Matchroom show.

McCarthy, who is now being trained in Ballyfermot by Pete Taylor, had signed to fight Turchi previously.

The crusierweights were scheduled to fight back in July, only for the undefeated Italian to withdraw Just days beforehand.

The 28-year-old instead fought and stopped Francesco Cataldo live on Sky Sports.

Turchi is scheduled to fight on October 11 in a WBC ranking title defense against a yet to be named opponent. That fight could possibly be upgraded to the EU title fight and McCarthy may have another Italian job.

However, manager Mark Dunlop may be able to sell the clash to Eddie Hearn as perfect for the undercard of Katie Taylor’s yet to be officially confirmed Manchester Arena November 2 two weight world title champion assault.

With 20,000 plus tickets to be sold for what could be an historic night added Irish interest may help in tempting Irish fight fans to travel.

Speaking ahead of the initial Turchi fight, which was called off last minute, McCarthy was in destructive mode.

“My mindset is back to where it’s need to be. From when I started boxing I was not about points victories and I am not about points victories here,” he said.

“It’s nothing to do with being away or not being the home fighter I just want to get him out of there. As soon as I get the chance to put him away I am going to go for it.”