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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Padraig McCrory vs Steve Collins Jr: The Hammer aiming to be the fighting pride of West Belfast on August 3

Padraig McCrory will channel the loyal support of his friends and family when he steps into battle at Falls Park next week.

The West Belfast super-middleweight is preparing for the latest acid test in his fledgling professional career.

McCrory will take on Steve Collins Jr for the BUI Celtic title on the massive Féile an Phobail show on Saturday, August 3.

Unbeaten McCrory (8-0) is relishing the chance to compete on a huge stage, and wants to do his friends and family proud by leaving with a new belt around his waist.

“This is massive for me," he said.

"It is the biggest stage of my career so I’m over the moon. I’m proud to be part of a historic night but most of all I think my friends and family are even prouder.

“Most people will say this, but this has genuinely been the best camp to date. Sparring has been great and we have been working hard. It’s good to have my fifth fight in 10 months too. Activity for me is key as I’m no spring chicken, so keeping busy is vital.

“With it being a fight against an Irish rival it makes things that bit more interesting too, but regardless of the opponent I’ll be training just as hard to win.

“With the event being shown live on BT Sport and ESPN+ as well, it gives you a good chance to boost your profile and I plan on taking full advantage of it.”

McCrory vs. Collins Jr is part of a massive card at Falls Park, that is main evented by Michael Conlan facing the toughest test of his career so far when he takes on Diego Alberto Ruiz.

A huge bill also includes Luke Keeler vs. Luis Arias, Alfredo Meli vs. Araik Marutjan,  Paddy Gallagher vs. Chris Jenkins for the British & Commonwealth welterweight titles, Sean McComb vs. Renald Garrido, Olympic hero Paddy Barnes, Dennis McCann, Callum Bradley, Sean Duffy and Dee Sullivan.

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