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Two more Irish fighters added to Golden Contract Tournament

The featherweight installment of the Golden Contract tournament could throw up an exciting All Irish clash after two Irish fighters were today confirmed for the tournament.

Steven Ward and Tyrone McKenna were yesterday named as participants in the light heavy and light welterweight versions of a contest with career changing capabilities – and they have been joined by two more Irish fighters today.

Both Davey Oliver Joyce [11(8)-0] and Tyrone McCullagh [13(6)-0] will partake in the featherweight version and will fight for a five-fight deal with one of the world’s leading promoters – rumoured to be Top Rank – that guarantees six-figure purses for every fight along with global exposure.

The Irish duo were named alongside Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens [27(11)-3(2)] with more names to be confirmed in the coming days.

It’s a massive opportunity for both and the kind of chance both have been calling for.

Olympian Joyce has worked his way to #11 with the WBO at featherweight fighting and winning on the road of late.

The Pete Taylor trained fighter now has the chance to make a name for himself and secure big opportunities in an exciting division that already includes the likes of Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan.

Derry’s McCullagh is also highly ranked in the WBO, but at super bantamweight. The boxing nurse makes the move up in weight in a bid to win a big promotional contract and secure world level fights.

To add to the excitement, fighters will not know their opponents until fight week, at the start of which the highly anticipated draws will be made, which means the pair could be drawn against each other just days out from the fight.

All titles held will be on the line in each fight and knockout bonuses are also on offer.

Dickens is ranked #9 in the world by the IBF and heads into the tournament on the back of his impressive win over Nathaniel May for the IBF European title in July, whilst also knocking out Nasibu Ramadhani in April too.

Dickens said: “There are two reasons why I wanted to be part of the Golden Contract tournament. I love to fight and show the world what I can do and I want to be a global name and become a world champion.

“It’s a massive opportunity to change my family’s lives. I will win the tournament because I’m dedicated, determined, motivated and hungrier than I’ve ever been. I’m looking forward to being the champion, and I hope everyone enjoys the massive the tournament.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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