Shock last-minute all-Irish grudge match added to Belfast BoxNation bill

The Belfast BoxNation show tomorrow night at the Titanic Exhibition Centre has been boosted by the last-minute addition of an all-Irish grudge match.

It has been confirmed that Belfast super middle Padraig McCrory [4(2)-0] will take on Derry middleweight Sean McGlinchey [2(0)-0] in a four-round war on the docklands show.

Both fighters were already due to appear on the card in separate four-rounders but when both of their respective opponents pulled out at the eleventh hour the big-hitting pair agreed to face each other.

Former managerial stablemates under Kieran Farrell, the fight is one which has long been mooted, with the duo sharing some history.

The pair met in the 2014 Ulster Senior light heavyweight final – with a spot on the team for the Commonwealth Games seemingly on the line. McCrory won that night but a rematch was ordered which McGlinchey would win and then go on to claim bronze at the Games in Glasgow.

In the pros, McGlinchey raced to 2-0 but illness, injury, and licencing issues have kept him out since last June.

Returning to the ring on three-weeks notice – albeit having been in camp previously – ‘Mummy’s Bhoy’ has taken the fight looking to make a big impression on his comeback.

McCrory, despite seeing a number of fights fall through, has scored four wins – including a KO of the Year contender over Manny Bique.

‘The Hammer’ last fought in June when he outpointed rugged journeyman Harry Matthews on the Mick Conlan Homecoming card.

Both fighters were announced as being part of the Ireland’s Last Man Standing line-up back in March but neither featured in the tournament eventually won by Roy Sheahan.

In addition to this, the Ulster punchers have shown ambitions for quick progression throughout their career – with McGlinchey having been due to face Ger Healy and McCrory set to box Jade Karam for Celtic Nations titles on a cancelled show last year.

While not confirmed, it is hoped and assumed that the clash will be part of the live BoxNation broadcast.

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