BELFAST BOXER TOMMY MCCARTHY has turned professional with the same company that snapped up John Joe Nevin last October.
McCarthy, who was seen in Irish boxing circles as a genuine Rio Olympics medal hope, has signed deals on both side of the Atlantic and will join the pro ranks, Stateside, with Green Blood of Philadelphia.
The 23-year-old won a bronze medal at the AIBA World Youths in 2008 and was the ninth ranked amateur boxer in the heavyweight division. He was denied a bronze medal at the World Boxing Championships last year by Argentinean opponent Yamil Oeralta. He also has a Commonwealth Games silver medal.
McCarthy will make his pro debut on St Patrick’s Day in the House of Blues in Boston. He said, “America is the best in the world for boxing and have great opportunities ahead which includes working in Philadelphia with former IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Steve Cunningham.”
Green Blood chief Tom Moran commented, “He’s a great addition to [our] boxing stable. I’m really looking forward to working with Tommy and watching him progress into a world champion. We have built up a really strong team of Irish boxers and this year will be an exciting year for Irish fight fans and for our boxers.”
