TYRONE McKenna and Tyrone McCullagh have switched their training base to Dublin to work with Pete Taylor, the Irish News understands.
The talented MTK duo, who had previously been based at Danny Vaughan’s gym near Glasgow, have followed in the footsteps of Tommy McCarthy and linked up with highly-rated Taylor, father of two-weight world champion Katie Taylor.
After guiding his daughter to unprecedented success in the amateur ranks, Taylor has switched to the professional scene and masterminded the resurgence of Dubliner Luke Keeler from middleweight alsoran to world title contender.
He also had an immediate impact on cruiserweight McCarthy who looked a man transformed with self-belief and a clear gameplan when beating Italian favourite Fabio Turchi to win the WBC International Cruiser title in Trento, Italy last month. McCarthy is now mandatory challenger for the EBU cruiserweight title.
Light-welterweight McKenna (20-1-1) and unbeaten Derry featherweight McCullagh (14-0) are both embroiled in Sky Sports’ ‘Golden Contract’ tournament at present. McCullagh won his quarter-final over Razaq Najib in London in October and ‘Mighty Celt’ McCullagh followed suit when he beat Mikey Sakyi by unanimous decision at the same venue last weekend.
Natural entertainers in and out of the ring, both could appear with Taylor in their corner for the first time at the next MTK fight night at the Ulster Hall on February 1.
Promoter Lee Eaton said: "We're thrilled to be heading back to Belfast for another huge event. Every time we return to the Ulster Hall the atmosphere is always superb, and we're expecting another unbelievable night on February 1.
"Belfast is a truly special fight city and we've had some great events there over the past year, so we can't wait to kick 2020 off in style."
