TOMMY MCCARTHY could also be only one win away from touchdown a 3rd battle in opposition to Chris Billam-Smith.
That’s the Belfast fighter’s considering as he prepares to face Michal Cieslak for the European cruiserweight title in September or October.
McCarthy gained the EBU belt three years in the past defeating Bilal Laggoune. One profitable defence in opposition to Alexandru Jur was adopted by a cut up choice loss to Chris Billam-Smith in July 2021. 9 months later the pair rematched each other however the Englishman gained by eighth spherical knockout to finish the rivalry.
Wins quantity 19 and 20 got here for McCarthy final yr in opposition to Pauls Vilbergs in Latvia and Reinis Porozovs in Belfast.
The 28-year-old instructed the Belfast Telegraph he realises the magnitude of the Cieslak battle the place McCarthy is the obligatory challenger.
“This an enormous battle for me. It’s the pathway to a world title battle. It’s the prospect to turn out to be a two-time European champion and likewise it’s primarily a world title eliminator,” stated McCarthy.
“I do know that is going to be a troublesome battle however then at this stage all of them are. He’s a man who has fought twice for the world title — misplaced to Lawrence Okolie and Ilunga Makabu so he’s a world stage fighter and we’re kinda in the identical boat. We’re each trying to get that world title shot.
“It simply looks like issues are falling into place for me… I’ve this opportunity now to take pleasure in a fairytale ending to my profession.”
McCarthy sees no motive why a 3rd battle can’t be made with Billam-Smith who gained the WBO belt in opposition to Lawrence Okolie final month.
“Most individuals thought I gained the primary battle, he clearly gained the second and if I’ve the European title then why not go for a 3rd battle?”
Cieslak bounced again from a factors defeat to Okolie in February 2022 by successful his subsequent three fights in opposition to Enrico Koelling, Krzysztof Twardowski after which for the European title two months in the past beating Dylan Bregeon with a fourth-round knockout.
