Darragh Foley says he'll meet Tyrone McKenna in the middle to create history in all-Irish title fight
Darragh Foley is eager to silence Belfast fans when he takes on home fighter Tyrone McKenna for the WBC International title at Ulster Hall.
The rival super-lightweights collide on an #MTKFightNight on June 21 – live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and also available on iFL TV – with Australia-based Foley fighting on the island on which he was raised for the first time as a professional.
Despite McKenna’s warning of a hot reception awaiting him in the scheduled 10-rounder, Foley isn’t remotely concerned.
‘Super’ (17-3-1, 9 KOs) said: “I know he’s got a good following but it doesn’t matter. Noise is just noise and whether they’re singing for him or singing for me, I’ll feed off them.
“I’ll bring a good crowd of my own so it’ll be a tasty environment in there. This is the most exciting all-Irish title fight on paper for a long, long time and I’m up for creating history.
“I’ll walk out to the middle of the ring and if he does the same, so be it. I think we could do something incredible in there and I’m just so excited.
“This fight means a lot to me. I’ve never fought on Irish soil as a professional so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll prove to everyone what I’m about.
“I genuinely believe I can still go on to knock on the door of world level. I genuinely believe I’m a great fighter and I’m looking forward to showing everyone that on the night.”
Alongside McKenna vs. Foley is a WBO European light-heavyweight title fight between Steven Ward and Liam Conroy, while welterweights Paddy Gallagher and Liam Wells clash in an intriguing match-up.