PREVIEW: MTK GLOBAL TAKE BELFAST BY STORM
MTK Global return to Ulster Hall in Belfast this Friday, with a seven fight card that features some of the most exciting talent the city has to offer.
The fight card will be broadcast live by IFLTV in the UK and in the USA by ESPN + in association with Top Rank.
At the top of the bill, Tyrone “The Mighty Celt” McKenna (18-1-1 6KO) takes on Darragh Foley (17-3-1 9KO) over ten rounds for the WBC International Super Lightweight Title. McKenna, 29, enjoyed a busy 2018 with victories over Lewis Benson & Anthony Upton. Although he picked up a loss to the highly regarded Jack Catterall in between, his talent combined with his huge personality has captured the attention of the boxing public. McKenna will be hoping that victory in front of his home crowd, will propel him back towards the world stage once more.
In the opposite corner, Australian based Irishman Darragh Foley is looking to claim the biggest victory of his career date. Since dropping a points decision to the undefeated Akeem Ennis-Brown last year, Foley has registered two quick fire wins and no extra motivation will be needed as he enters this all Irish clash.
Both fighters have entertained during fight week and they both bring a fan friendly, exciting style and with both fighters likely to meet head on, it is difficult to envisage how this fight disappoints.
Acting as chief support, undefeated Light Heavyweight contender Steven “The Quiet Man” Ward (11-0 4KO) takes on former sparring partner and British title challenger Liam Conroy (17-4-1 9KO) for the WBO European Light Heavyweight title.
The fight is an interesting clash of styles and is the biggest test to date for Ward, who is a member of the thriving Jamie Moore stable. “The Quiet Man” will be hoping that a victory will put him in line for some huge domestic fights.
Conroy enters the ring vastly more experienced despite being the younger man and will be hoping to draw on this experience to silence the Belfast crowd. Still only 26, Conroy has undoubtedly fought better opposition as a professional and the former English champion is arguably the heavier handed of the two, making him a dangerous proposition for Ward.
Further down the card, local favourite Paddy Gallagher (15-5 9KO) clashes with the undefeated Liam Wells (5-0 2KO) over eight rounds.
Gallagher had called for a competitive comeback fight after suffering a controversial defeat to Freddy Kiwitt earlier this year and Wells was happy to answer the call. The former kickboxer, who is still in the early stages of his boxing career, is taking a huge step up in the level of opposition but has stated during fight week that he is in Belfast expecting to win.
A defeat for Gallagher would almost certainly send the 2010 Commonwealth Games Champion into retirement.
Also on the card, undefeated Lewis Crocker (8-0 6KO) takes on Frenchman Karim Aliliche (11-8-2 2K0) over eight rounds.
Caoimhin Agyarko, Taylor Mcgoldrick and Owen O’Neill also feature as they look to continue their development in the professional ranks.