A Comeback Fueled by Lessons from Defeat
At 36, Padraig “The Hammer” McCrory from Belfast is ready to return to the ring with renewed determination and focus. His upcoming light heavyweight bout against Leonard Carrillo, set to air on the ProBox TV app from Belfast’s SSE Arena this Friday, marks his first comeback since a challenging defeat. In February, McCrory was knocked out in the sixth round by Edgar Berlanga, a fight in which he admits he underperformed. Reflecting on the match, McCrory acknowledges that it wasn’t his best showing but views the loss as an opportunity for growth.
The lessons from that night have only strengthened his motivation, as he aims to prove his fighting spirit remains powerful, regardless of his age. This setback has not diminished his ambition; although some might consider him past his prime, McCrory remains committed to pushing his limits and continuing his journey in the ring.
Facing Carrillo and Aiming for a World Title
In front of McCrory stands the formidable Leonard Carrillo, a 35-year-old knockout artist from Colombia who currently fights out of Spain. With 16 knockout wins, Carrillo poses a significant threat, particularly as a southpaw with extensive amateur experience. However, McCrory feels confident and ready, drawing on his adaptability from previous matches against southpaw fighters. He understands that Carrillo likely sees this fight as a chance to secure a high-profile win, but McCrory is determined not to let that happen.
Alongside this comeback, McCrory has developed a three-fight plan aimed at reclaiming a position in world title contention within the super middleweight division. He sees an opportunity for major fights if titles are redistributed and hopes this match will be the first step toward a title shot. With his focus on the future, McCrory’s ambition remains unwavering as he seeks to re-establish himself on the world stage, demonstrating resilience and skill in the ring.
