Boxing In Ireland: Cork Cuban Garcia Gets King Clash In Belfast

Unbeaten Cuban sensation Luis Garcia will be out to impress at The King’s Hall on Friday night when he clashes with Welsh hard man Nathan King on the undercard of Paul McCloskey’s first European title defence on the Yanjing Beer Fight Night.

The Cork based Garcia has stepped in at short notice for compatriot Alexei Acosta who had to withdraw from the bill through illness. The 22-year-old Garcia a former World Junior Champion in the amateur ranks has won all 6 of his pro fights to date and has been earmarked by many boxing insiders as a special talent with the potential to become a major star in the pro ranks.

The King’s Hall is no stranger to hosting the finest talent from Latin and South America with World Champions such as Sergio Martinez (Argentina), Julio Cesar Vasquez (Argentina)(Argentina), Crisanto Espana (Venezuela) and Victor Cordoba (Panama) all having stepped between the ropes in the Belfast venue and Garcia says he hopes to continue that proud tradition.

“I know all about the famous history at The King’s Hall and the great nights and great fights that it has hosted over the years so it’s an honour for me to be part of another big night of boxing there on Friday night. Hopefully I can put on a show for the people there.”

Garcia won’t have it easy though against King who has given tough tests to British Olympic medallists James Degale and Tony Jeffries in his two most recent outings. King would eventually lose of points in both fights but gave the highly touted prospects plenty to think about along the way.

Promoter Brian Peters admits it’s a decent test for Garcia but it’s one he expects him to pass with flying colours. “Luis is an exceptional talent,” said Peters. “He put on a masterclass of boxing against a seasoned veteran in the shape of Alex Sipos last time out in Limerick. It was only Luis’ sixth pro fight but he dominated a former European title challenger and Sipos never gives anyone an easy night.

“King is cut from the same mould as Sipos. He made Tony Jeffries look pretty ordinary last time out and he also gave Degale a few problems so it will be interesting to see how Luis deals with him on Friday.”

Paul McCloskey’s first defence of his European Light Welterweight title against mandatory challenger Giuseppe Lauri tops the bill at The King’s Hall while in the chief support bout Lurgan’s Stephen Haughian clashes with former British Champ Kevin McIntyre for the Celtic Welterweight title.

Cavan’s Andy Murray also features as the undefeated European number 3 looks to take another step close to a European title fight with namesake, John Murray. Barry McGuigan’s protege Carl Frampton will have his first professional fight in his native city while fellow unbeaten Belfast prospect Jamie Conlan also features.

Local middleweight duo Joe Rea and Ciaran Healy have also been added to the card with the pair looking to end the unbeaten records of Kris Carslaw and Harry Matthews respectively.

The Yanjing Beer Fight Night will be live on Sky Sports and tickets priced ï¿¡30, ï¿¡60 and ï¿¡90 are available from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets. Contact Ticketmaster 0844 8472455 (0818 719300 from ROI), Box Office 01277 359900, Julie 07745698372, Francie 07803282224.