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WATCH: Belfast boxer involved in ringside clash with rival


Conor McGregor [0-1(1)] wasn’t the only Irish fighter to be involved in some post-fight controversy at the weekend.

The Notorious vaulted into the octagon at the 3Arena on Saturday night following team mate Charlie Ward’s stoppage win over John Redmond, confronting referee Marc Goddard and slapping a Bellator official.

The previous night in Manchester saw Ciaran McVarnock [8(2)-0-1] stage his own post-fight intervention and, while the Belfast featherweight showed more self control, there was no less fury from Bunty.

McVarnock was ringside at the Victoria Warehouse to see lightweight rival Joe Murray [23(10)-2(1)] stop Nkululeko Venganayi in the eighth round, and called the Beijing Olympian out afterwards.

The 25 year old, alongside coach Arnie Farnell, made his way to the ring apron after the conclusion of the bout and engaged in a shouting match with Murray, eventually being pulled away from the English boxer.

The pair are former gym mates, having both been part of Farnell’s stable in Manchester before Murray’s departure. Bad blood would continue to grow, heightened by some feisty sparring sessions, and McVarnock has been looking for a bout with the former amateur star over the past few months.

McVarnock, who recently parted company with management outfit MTK Global, was later involved in some social media back and forths with Murray and his team.

Watch Ciaran McVarnock and Joe Murray clash below:

Video Credit: Sheldan Keay (Manchester Evening News)
Photo Credit: Karen Priestley

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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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