Carl McDonald [2(0)-0] claims he is going to shove Regan Buckley’s words down his throat and ensure a hole closer to the canvas is making all the noise when the pair meet on Saturday.

Eyebrows were raised when the novice duo were matched for the ‘Celtic Clash 3: Building Champions’ card, but once both got talking even the “too early” brigade had to admit that it’s a match up they are looking forward to taking in on September 9th.

The pair’s verbal sparring via the media has played a part in stoking that excitement and while McDonald claims words don’t effect him, he wasn’t afraid to return fire when talking to Irish-Boxing.com.

The Tallaght 28 year old is adamant he will be too big and strong for Buckley [1(0)-0], who is coming up several weight classes, and describes the super bantamweight six rounder as a ‘man versus boy’ affair. Indeed he is looking forward to making a fighter, who seems to be goading him with social media images of weekly pizza consumption, eat his words.

“I am not too bothered by anything he has said. He can blow all the smoke he wants up his own arse he will be blowing out of his arse by the time I am finished with him.”

“Look I am just going to be too big and too strong from him that’s the bottom line.”

“He is going to eat his words and so will his fans. He can talk to who he likes about what he likes, but at the end of the day we will settle it in the ring. It is man against boy in there and realistically he is going to get hurt.”

McDonald cuts a calm figure when discussing all things Celtic Clash 3 and Buckley, but does admit there is a bit more excitement surrounding just his third pro outing.

The former Irish Intermediate champion says he can notice a difference inside and outside his camp – although did go on to stress that while he feels a bit different about training, his coach has taken the same strict approach.

“It definitely adds something and it makes it more enjoyable. It is still a fight we have to prepare for and it’s one we are more than confident of winning, but there the build up has been more enjoyable.”

“It does give you a bit extra in training, but Eddie [Hyland, trainer] doesn’t give you an easy day in training ever. He likes to work you and push you. Eddie demands from you not mater who your fighting,” he continued before discussing the fan reaction.

“There is nearly as much interest in this fight as the main event. A lot of people are talking about it, it’s good craic. I am looking forward to it now.”

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Headlined by the Eric Donovan v Dai Davies BUI Celtic featherweight title fight, the ‘Celtic Clash 3: Building Champions’ card also features Gerard Whitehouse, James Cahill, Stephen McAfee, Martin Quinn, Aiden Metcalfe, Dylan McDonagh, Colin O’Donovan, Chris Mullally, Michael Gallagher, Keane McMahon, Niall O’Connor, John Joyce and Bernard Roe.

Tickets for the show cost €30 (Balcony), €40 (Gallery), €60 (Ringside), €100 (VIP Premium), and €15 (Under-15s gallery – must be bought alongside an adult ticket) and are available to buy from Carl at 085 723 6164 or online at Ticketmaster.ie

Photo Credit: Laszlo Geczo Photography