Boxing In Ireland: Murray vs. Lacerda In County Mayo November 20

Although the volcanic ash cloud crisis from earlier this year may have passed a new volcanic threat is on the horizon for Irish boxing and unbeaten Cavan star, Andy Murray.

The reigning Irish Lightweight champ faces the stiffest test of his carer when he takes on World number 14 Claudinei “Volcano” Lacerda on the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at The Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Saturday, November 20th. The bout will be live on RTÉ Two and Lacerda is brimming with confidence as he puts the final touches to his training in his native Brazil.

Lacerda believes that a win over Murray will pave the way for him to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Brazilian and boxing idol, Acelino “Popo” Freitas by winning the World Lightweight title. “I’m very focused on this fight and determined to win because the prize for me is so great,” said Lacerda.

“I’m number 14 in the World now and just one or two fights away from realising my dream of becoming a World Champion and holding the very same belt as ‘Popo’. This fight in Ireland is the most important of my career and I simply cannot afford to lose.”

All but four of Lacerda’s 13 wins have ended by KO so there is no great secret behind his ring moniker.

“It’s pretty self explanatory why people call me “the Volcano” because when I get in the ring there is normally an eruption and my power shakes my opponents right to their boots,” explained Lacerda. “I won’t give Murray time to breathe when we are in the ring. I bring intense pressure and a lot of power and like a volcano I do a lot of damage!”

Lacerda admits he has yet to watch Murray in action despite the Cavan man holding the longest winning streak in Irish boxing with a record of 22 straight wins since turning professional in 2005. “I never watch tapes of my opponents, I leave that to my coach. For me it’s important that I am always in good shape and prepared for anything regardless of my opponents style.”

The 30-year-old has won a plethora of regional titles throughout his career including the Brazilian Lightweight title, the WBC Mundo Hispano title, the WBC Latino title and most recently the WBO Latino title which resulted in his elevation to the WBO’s top 15. Having never fought outside of his native Brazil Lacerda admits it’s something of a risk putting his World rating on the line against Murray but a risk that he clearly feels is calculated.

“I know it will not be easy but it will be great experience for me and I’m my confidence is high after winning the WBO Latino title in my last fight. I worked so hard for that and the hard work paid off but I have trained even harder for this and I will be ready for anything. It is always a risk fighting in the other guys back yard but it was too good an offer to refuse and I am confident that I will return to Brazil with the victory.”

The Hunky Dorys Fight Night in Castlebar will also feature Dublin Featherweight Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland. The reigning Irish Champion will be looking to extend his 20 fight unbeaten run and make up for the disappointment of his younger brother Paul’s European title defeat to Willie “Big Bang” Casey in Limerick at the weekend.

Also in action in Castlebar will be Martin “Iron Man” Rogan fresh from a winning return in Limerick at the weekend following a year’s absence with a serious neck injury. Rogan resumed his career with a bang in Limerick as a single left hook to the body was all that was required to stop Yavor Marinchev in the first round.

Cork based Cuban heavyweight Mike “The Rebel” Perez will also be in action at the Breaffy house Resort. Like Rogan, the hard hitting southpaw didn’t waste any time in Limerick with a first round KO to extend his professional record to 12 wins with 10 of them coming via KO.

There will be plenty of local interest on the card in Castlebar with Mayo natives John Waldron, Henry Coyle and Finbarr Eade all in action while Roscommon prospect Darren Cruise completes the lineup. Waldron will be out for revenge when he bids to defend his Irish Light Heavyweight title against Belfast’s Ciaran Healy who outpointed Waldron when they first met just over two years ago.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Young Guns priced from €40, €50, €60 and €80 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie / 0818 719300 and all usual outlets.