McCarthy keen to put on a show in bid for title shot
TOMMY McCarthy is hoping he can blast his way to a Commonwealth title shot next year after an explosive end to 2017.
Belfast cruiserweight McCarthy should chalk up a second win in the space of a month when he faces Cameroon’s Blaise Mendouo at the SSE Arena this Saturday night, part of the under- card to Carl Frampton’s return to the ring.
McCarthy’s career stalled this time last year when he surprisingly lost a British title eliminator to Matty Askin. Almost 12 months ago to the day, he is expecting to deliver a loud and clear message that he is right back on the trail of Championship opportunities and the man in his line of fire is Commonwealth champion Luke Watkins.
McCarthy said: “I’m in another six-rounder and then in my next fight I want a big challenge. With Ryan Burnett expected to defend his World title in March or April in Belfast, I’d love to be part of that, I think that would be the ideal time and a fight with Luke Watkins seems to be one that everyone is talking about.
“Both Watkins and his trainer have been making a lot of comments about me so it’s building up to be an exciting fight.
“He’s the Commonwealth cruiserweight champion and if I could get that belt it would put my career in a great position. I suppose it’s up to Watkins and his team if they are prepared to come here and face me.
“Having been out of the ring it would be natural to want more rounds but you don’t get paid for overtime in this business. I want to be explosive.”