I’ll prove just how good I am in pro ranks, vows McComb
SEAN McComb says he is glad to put the amateur days behind him and start a new chapter in his boxing career when he makes his professional debut at the SSE Arena tomorrow night.
McComb, a former Irish senior champion and European medallist, had hopes of glory at the Commonwealth Games but following defeat to England’s Luke McCormack he became involved in an incident outside a club that almost led to him being sent home in disgrace.
But, after the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council had sent out an apology, they came to realise that McComb was the innocent party.
“I’m so glad that I stood my ground and that our coach John Conlan believed in me when I said that the CCTV evidence would prove I hadn’t started any trouble,” said McComb, who has a four-rounder on the supporting bill to Michael Conlan.
“The Commonwealth Games Council had basically my name booked on a flight back home the next day but I stood my ground and asked for the CCTV evidence and was allowed to stay on.
“I got frustrated with the amateurs because it seemed that nothing was going my way whether it was the draws I was getting at competitions or the decisions. I couldn’t even go away and have a pint in peace in Australia!
“I had a good run, I was a European medallist and I felt I was unlucky not to have achieved more as an amateur. I could have stayed for another two years for the Olympics but I felt the time was right to move on.
“The time was right to turn professional. There’s such an excitement about the professional game now with the likes of Mick Conlan and Carl Frampton doing so well — and there’s better opportunities in the pro game to show people how good I am.
“I think with my amateur background I can move quite quickly. I don’t want journeymen, I was actually asking for someone with a winning record for the first fight.”
The bill will also feature rising welterweight puncher Lewis Crocker who should chalk up another comfortable win.
Indeed, after another expected blow-out the time has probably come for Crocker to face a good domestic opponent who will give him a decent test over a number of rounds.