Derry boxer Tyrone McCullagh will climb into the ring at Belfast’s Devonish Venue for his next big fight on October 8.
But if you happen to bump into the talent southpaw over the next two months, don’t offer him any sweeties.
The Derry boxer (pictured) has a full stone to lose to make super bantamweight for his fifth pro fight, which is set for Belfast’s Devonish Venue on October 8.
He may be known as ‘White Chocolate’ - a nickname given to him by half-Jamaican boxer and friend Tommy McCarthy because of his pale skin - but the Milky Bars will be getting locked away as McCullagh gets down to the serious business of shaping up for his next big fight.
The 25-year-old said: “I’m really excited about the fight, but I must admit I’m not looking forward to the losing weight part of it.
“Before, I would have starved myself to get down, but that affected my stamina in the ring, so this time I’ll be working with a nutritionist to make sure I do it the right way.”
McCullagh is stepping up to six rounds for the first time since turning professional last year.
He’s unbeaten in all four fights - three on knockouts - and is hoping to keep the winning streak going as his rise up the professional ranks begins to heat up.
“So far it’s been journeymen I’ve been fighting,” he said, “and I don’t feel I’ve really been tested.
“But this move up to six rounds will definitely be more of a challenge. My last fight (against Lativan Alexander Birkenbergs) was the only one so far that went the distance, and I was very tired after that fight.
“I wasted too much energy trying to knock him out like I did with my other fights, and that’s been a real learning curve for me, knowing that I need to pace myself more and that not every fight needs to be won with a knockout.”
McCullagh doesn’t yet know who’s lined up to fight him in his October fight, but says promotor Goodwin has dangled a big carrot in front of him in recent weeks.
He said: “Steve has told me there’s something really big in the pipeline, but he won’t tell me any more than that for now.
“So I’m just going to be focussing now on my next fight, and hopefully things will develop from there.”
McCullagh is organising a bus from Derry to take fans to the fight.
If anyone is interested in going along or wants to buy a ticket, they can contact him via Facebook.
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