Metcalfe poised to make his pro debut
CRUMLIN’S Aiden Metcalfe enters the pro ranks with good pedigree, good backing, and a promise to entertain.
The super featherweight was a decorated underage boxer and competed well at Elite Senior level, even as a teenager.
Now aged 22, the Dubliner has linked up with Leonard Gunning and Crumlin BC graduate Stephen Sharpe at Boxing Ireland Promotions and will debut on the ‘Celtic Clash 3’ card at the National Stadium on September 9.
The night is headlined by a BUI Celtic featherweight title fight between former amateur star and RTÉ pundit Eric Donovan and Welsh champion Dai Davies.
The move is not one of natural progression, indeed it has come somewhat out of nowhere.
Metcalfe, who competed at the 2016 Intermediates and saw a semi-pro fight in February fall through, had stepped away from boxing.
However, the opportunity to return and become a fully fledged professional was too good to turn down.
“I gave it [boxing] up for a few months,” he explains. “I just thought there was nothing left for me in the amateurs, so when I got the offer [to turn pro] I took it. It was something I always wanted to do as a kid, since I joined boxing.”
“One thing is for sure – I’m never in a boring fight. When you see me fight you’re always guaranteed a good show. I reckon the pro game will suit me.”
“I just want to get my debut out of the way, that’s the focus at the minute.
“Long-term I’m looking towards getting that Irish belt in 2018, but my debut is the main focus now.
“This year I’ve to get a few fights, a few wins under my belt and then next year I’ll look at a title shot, hopefully. I reckon I’ll go far in the pro game.”
Metcalfe will be trained in the pros by Sean Carton at the All Saints Gym in Kimmage, having previously fought out of Phil Sutcliffe’s famous Crumlin club.
Another Crumlin boxer, lightweight Martin Quinn, trains alongside him there and is another who will debut on the ‘Celtic Clash 3’ card.
“There has been a lot of excitement regarding the decision of Aiden Metcalfe to turn professional,” said Sharpe.
“We’re delighted to have such a talented lad on board.
“Aiden is looking fitter and stronger every day and, with plenty of amateur experience, the Crumlin puncher will be an entertaining addition to Irish professional boxing,” he added.
Among the other local boxers on the bill are Tallaght’s Carl McDonald and Lucan’s John Joyce.
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