WBC belt to be on the line for Noely Murphy against unbeaten LesPierre

As if topping a bill in New York against a fellow undefeated fighter wasn’t carrot enough, Noely Murphy [12(2)-0] has been handed further incentive ahead of his February 7th return.

The Cork light welter got great news at the turn of the year as it was confirmed he would top his first bill on DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing card at BB King Blues Club and Grill in Times Square.

The 23-year-old doesn’t just make a step up in terms of his place in the spotlight, however, with opponent Mikkel LesPierre [18(8)-0-1] certainly representing a move up in class and is the best opponent Murphy has signed to fight.

The bill-topping fight is a someone’s 0 has got to go clash, with LesPierre holding an unbeaten streak spanning over five years.

Irish-Boxing.com can now reveal the winner of the midweek clash will bring a belt home with him.

The BUI Celtic champion and LesPierre will fight for the vacant WBC USNBC over 10 rounds.

The rankings belt is the WBC’s strap for the United States of America.

While a win will most likely not see Murphy enter the Top 15, he would be assured of a place in the organisation’s Top 40 and a first foot on the ladder.

New York-based Murphy won’t be the first Cork fighter to box for the belt either, with Mike Perez having won and defended the belt back in 2013 and 2014 against Magomed Abdusalamov and Carlos Takam respectively.

With the confirmation of a title on the line, although he had long been confident of this being the case, Murphy now knows he must make 140lbs for the Wednesday night fight.

Macroom’s Murphy said that “I’m delighted to headline an event in New York City and can’t wait until February 7th. I want to thank Lou DiBella and my manager Kevin Crowley for putting this fight together.”

“I’m looking forward to testing myself in the 140lbs division and giving the fans a good fight. Mikkel LesPierre is a tough opponent but I have no doubt that belt is coming home with me back to Cork back to Ireland.”