TYRONE super-featherweight Feargal McCrory headlines tonight’s show at the Europa Hotel in a super-featherweight clash with Elvis Guillen.
The durable Nicaraguan has been in with the likes of Isaac Lowe, Ryan Farraq, Denis Ceylan and Tyrone McCullough in 65-fight career. He is awkward, determined and hard to pin down but McCrory, fresh from his Irish title success at lightweight, should have too much power and movement for him tonight.
“I’ve worked hard and pushed myself and I’m still confident and looking forward to the fight,” said the former Brackaville GAA star.
“My sparring has been great and now it’s just about taking it into the ring.
“I’m always looking to test myself and I know the opportunity will come. I’m not taking my eye off Guillen – I know I have to do the business - but I know when the opportunity comes I’ll be ready for it.”
The present is Guillen but the future could be a meeting with the winner of Zelfa Barrett versus Lyon Woodstock who fight for the vacant Commonwealth title on the undercard of Josh Warrington v Kid Galahad at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on June 15.
“That’s a fight I would love the winner of,” said McCrory.
“I’d absolutely jump at it. I’ve been hearing a lot of positive rumours that it could happen later this year which is something I’d be more than happy with.”
After that McCrory’s ambitions extend to taking on the winner of Anthony Cacace versus Sam Bowen, who tangle for the British title in July.
“If I can come through Guillen and then the Commonwealth title fight then, who knows?” he said.
“I know that’s jumping the gun a bit but before the end of the year I definitely want a big title fight, a big one.
“I’d love to step up and I believe that the better the opponent, the better I perform. Mark Dunlop (promoter) has got Paul Hyland a European title shot, he works very hard and if I keep winning then the chances have to come.”
On the undercard tonight are cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy and Twinbrook’s James Tennyson who is now operating at lightweight, having fought for a world title at super-feather.
‘The Assassin’ takes on a teak tough Nicaraguan Brayan Mairena and he is chasing a shot at the British Lightweight title, currently held by Joe Cordina.
“It’s really hard to believe James is still only 25,” said promoter Dunlop.
“He has achieved already what so many professional boxers never do and he is only getting warmed up, facts are facts and he has done it the hard way earning great experience”
Meanwhile, Cathy McAleer – already a karate world champion - will hope to continue her progression through the bantamweight ranks when she meets Cristina Busuioc tonight. Also trained by John Breen, McAleer has improved dramatically in recent months and will target a first stoppage win against the Romanian rookie.
Europa Hotel line-up:
Super-featherweight: Feargal McCrory (10-0) v Elvis Gullien (9-52-4)
Lightweight: James Tennyson (23-3) v Brayan Mairena (10-10-1)
Bantamweight: Cathy McAleer (2-0) v Cristina Busuioc (0-1-1)
Cruiserweight: Tommy McCarthy (13-2) v Jiri Svacina (13-34)
Super-lightweight: Victor Rabei (7-0) v Lesther Cantillano (4-28)
