Boxing In Ireland: Lindsay Looking To Impress On Home Ground

Belfast’s British Featherweight Champion Martin Lindsay admits he’s relishing the chance to shine in front of his own fans when he features on the undercard of Paul McCloskey’s European title challenge at the Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt on Friday, November 6.

McCloskey takes on reigning European Light Welterweight Champ Souleymane M’baye just 20 minutes down the road from his hometown of Dungiven while Lindsay’s supporters are also expected to be out in force as he bids to extend his unbeaten record.

McCloskey will be looking to make the leap from British title level to European level in Magherafelt and a similar jump in class could be on the cards for Lindsay early next year. The 27-year-old is scheduled to make the first defence of his British title against Jamie Arthur in January but he is also the number one rated Featherweight in the European ratings.

However Lindsay’s manager John Rooney Jnr. insists that they will not rush into anything. “At the minute Martin’s just focused on putting in a good performance in Magherafelt,” revealed Rooney. “Then he will have to defend the British title against Arthur and we’ll weigh up our options again after that.

“I’ve just turned down a possible IBF eliminator fight for Martin against Orlando Salido but there’s no rush in going for the World title. All that will come in time, for now it’s about defending the British title and then looking at a possible European title shot because Martin’s well placed for all these opportunities now.

Linsday insists he’s happy to take things one fight at a time. “To be honest the only fight I’m looking at right now is the fight in Magherafelt,” said the boxer known as the ‘Mac Man’. “You can never look too far ahead in this game so you just have to focus on what’s in front of you and as long as you keep winning then everything else falls into place.”

Lindsay won the British title at the Ulster Hall in April ending the unbeaten run of touted Scot, Paul Appleby in 6 rounds and he says he’s delighted to be back in front of his own fans in Magherafelt. “I’ve fought in places like Canada and Italy so it’s always great to fight at home and I’m really looking forward to it. The whole Irish boxing scene is buzzing at the minute and it’s great to be part of big shows like this one.”

Lindsay is part of what promises to be an action packed undercard at the Meadowbank Sports Arena. In a second title bout on the card Liverpool’s Steve Williams and Londoner Michael Grant will contest the English Light Welterweight title in a contest which will also double as an eliminator for the upcoming Light Welterweight Prizefighter event.

Fight fans will also get the opportunity to follow the progress of Barry McGuigan’s hot prospect, Carl Frampton. The 2009 Irish Senior Featherweight Champion turned pro in June and has already impressed in his two outings to date. Liverpool’s “Dangerous” John Donnelly will also be in action as he builds towards a shot at the British bantamweight title while further local interest will come in the shape of Omagh’s popular light welterweight Damian Taggart. The card is rounded out by the professional debut of hard hitting Belfast heavyweight, David Hannah.

The event will be live on Sky Sports and tickets priced £30, £60 and £90 are available from Ticketmaster, all usual outlets and the boxers on the bill. Contact Ticketmaster 0844 8472455 (0818 719300 from ROI), Box Office 01277 359900, Julie 07745698372, Emma 07703723074, Francie 07803282224 or Eurospar 02877741245.