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Upcoming debutants aim to fight each other next


They both don’t debut until next month, but two young Irish prospects have already lit a candle under a potential early career clash.

Naas lightweight Gary Cully and Crumlin super featherweight Aiden Metcalfe make their respective entries to the scene in Belfast and Dublin and, if they have their own way, they may meet in their second fight.

2013 European Youth gold medalist Cully has been signed by MTK and linked up with coach Pete Taylor in Bray, while Metcalfe has signed to Boxing Ireland Promotions and now trains under Sean Carton in Kimmage.

Metcalfe is one of eight debutants on the ‘Celtic Clash 3: Building Champion’ card at the National Stadium on September 9th. One week later, on Saturday September 16th, southpaw Cully makes his pro bow at the Devenish Complex on the Ginley Promotions ‘Danger at The Devenish’ bill.

22 year old Metcalfe debuts against Polish journeyman Dawid Knade [4(0)-16(9)], while an opponent has yet to be announced for 21 year old Cully.

The ‘Celtic Clash 3’ show features a six-round super bantamweight bout between Regan Buckley and Carl McDonald, who have three fights between them, and a trend of early career clashes seems to be beginning – with Manny Bique debuting on Red Corner’s October 7th card against Vladimir Belujsky [0-0-1] in a four-round super middleweight clash of the adopted Irishman.

A Cully-Metcalfe fight would follow in this vein.

Some amicable discussions between the pair, who both hold amateur triumphs over each other, took place on social media today, and both are keen on the fight.

The chatter was instigated by Cully, but Metcalfe seemed more than agreeable.

When asked for comment, Boxing Ireland’s Stephen Sharpe refused to rule such a fight out. He outlined how “the focus for Aidan at this very moment is Sep 9th and getting his debut out of the way”

“Obviously Cully v Metcalfe would be a fight that would excite fight fans. I know Aiden would jump at the chance but for now the focus must be Sep 9th and once that;’s over we can decide on what’s next,” he added before suggesting that any fight would need to take place closer to Metcalfe’s weight than to Cully’s.

“Aiden will make his debut at 60kg [132lbs] but will operate at Super Featherweight [130lbs].”

Tickets for both boxer’s debuts are available from the fighters themselves.

Kildare boxing is proudly supported by Liffey Crane Hire.

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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

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