Jack McKinlay is back in action on July 30
Unbeaten welterweight talent Jack McKinlay (2-0) is finally stepping back into the ring after 17 months away, as he enters into his third professional contest at the Devonshire House hotel in Liverpool on Friday, July 30.
Trained by Paul Stevenson at the Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool, Jack ‘The Ripper’ will compete in a four-round contest on a co-promoted Queensberry and Black Flash Promotions event, aptly titled 'Back in Business'.
The 31-year-old from Anfield spoke eagerly of his next bout, “It’ll probably be a four-rounder at super-welterweight, depending on how it goes. I’m glad to be fighting again. To be honest, when Paul told me, I jumped at it!”
McKinlay’s almost year-and-a-half hiatus was enforced due to the national lockdowns and ensuing restrictions in place, but it has served to improve his state of mind and attitude, he says, “I feel a bit hungrier, to be honest. Just be good to get back on track, I felt a bit lost in lockdown, I didn’t really know what was happening – I don’t think anyone did – but now things are getting back to normal again, so there’ll be shows on, and hopefully I’ll get a few more fights in.”
Whilst the doors to Everton Red Triangle were closed, McKinlay still kept up his training at home. He expanded on what he did to keep himself busy during the downtime, “Mostly concentrated on my strength work. I didn’t train as much as normal, but I was still ticking over every day.
“Now I’ve been told I’m fighting again, I’ve got that motivation to do that little bit extra. I’m back in the gym Monday to Friday and been training with Peter McGrail before he goes to the Olympics.”
2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Peter McGrail is preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, beginning on July 23. McGrail, along with his brother Joe, and teammates Nick Ball, Andrew Cain and Brad Strand – all unbeaten prospects signed to Frank Warren – have been keeping the ERT gym's head coach Paul Stevenson very busy.
“The gym is busy again, the atmosphere is always good in there. There’s a few less of us at the moment, that’s the only change, but it gives a bit more time for Paul to work with us.”
There’s more positive changes for Jack, as he claims the demand for tickets has increased, “It’s been a little bit easier selling tickets this time because people have not been to boxing shows for a while, so a lot of people messaged me for tickets straightaway, whereas normally I have to message them and chase them up.
“It takes the stress away from the fighter because sometimes it adds stress you just don’t need, but I know it’s all part of the game.”
McKinlay’s third professional opponent has yet to be confirmed. On his pro bow in September 2019, he defeated 200-fight veteran William Warburton on points, then followed that up with another points win over ‘The Congo Leopard’ Michael Likalu in February 2020, which was to be his last time under the lights until now.
The Friday fight night event on July 30 is aptly titled ‘Back in Business’ and also features Mozambique-born Merseysider Dexter Makaza (1-0), a 27-year-old light-heavyweight from Liverpool.
Tickets are £50 for ringside, and £35 for outer ring seats. You can contact Jack McKinlay on Facebook for tickets HERE
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