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Victor Rabei wants a Quinn win in Kelly clash


He has the utmost respect for Karl Kelly but BUI Celtic light welterweight champion Victor Rabei hopes the Monkstown slugger loses a ‘tasty enough little scrap’ with Martin Quinn on November 24th.

Rabei [5(1)-0] can’t call a winner in what is one of three extremely salivating all-Irish bouts on the ‘Celtic Clash 7’ card but, for selfish reasons, he wants the Crumlin lightweight to win.

The Rathmichael Moldovan has being eyeing a clash with straight-talker Quinn [2(1)-0] for some time now and believed victory over Kelly on ‘Celtic Clash 6’ would set up a title defence against his Dublin rival.

However, Rabei, who looks likely to fight on December 7th in Mayo, claims the Boxing Ireland fighter initially opted to go another route – although he does point out the winner of the November 24th bout should be an opponent for him in 2019.

“I wanted that fight with Martin for a long time now, and I was hoping he would be next for me,” Rabei told Irish-Boxing.com.

“But their management teams obviously had other plans for them. I was offered the winner for a defence or possible Irish title in the new year, so I’m looking forward to that.”

While the winner of Quinn-Kelly would be pushed towards a BUI Celtic lightweight title fight, Rabei is keen to face the victor in a defence of his own belt, one weight north, and has a preferred opponent in mind.

The Assassin fighter notes that, considering he has already beaten Kelly, Quinn would be a better fight – and one which has a little bit of history..

“I’d love to fight Martin as I have already fought Karl. But we will have to see what happens on the 24th, I think It’ll be a great fight between the lads and I wish the both the best of luck and hope they come out safe.”

“For me, it’s better if Martin wins as he’s the undefeated fighter and I’ve been looking for that fight a while now.”

While he favours a Quinn victory in Driminagh later this month, Rabei can’t call the fight.

He, like most, sees the six-rounder as a 50/50 scrap that could potentially steal the show.

“I think it’s a tasty enough little scrap! Both lads love a war, and I’m sure they’ll deliver,” he added.

“It’s a 50/50 fight for me, I think whoever wants it more will take it.”

While he can’t call a winner, he does see a scenario were his old foe could secure victory. Rabei suggests the longer round format might suit the relentless ‘Little Sexy’ Kelly [1(0)-2(0)] considering he has been six and eight rounds before while Quinn has not boxed since last December having seen numerous fights fall through.

“Karl has a lot of heart and won’t give Martin any space in there, if Martin isn’t fully fit and ready for the six they are doing, then he might be in a bit of trouble.”

“Karl is one tough lad! He’s always game and will bring a war, I’ve been through it myself. He’ll put Martin through a lot of pressure and he will land some big shots.”

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

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