New Brum ring date for dazzling O’Regan

Cory O’Regan and Macklin fight again at Holiday Inn

CORY O’Regan – the lightweight who looked so dynamic in his first Birmingham appearance – is about to give Brummies another taste of the power and poise he brings to the ring.

The Leeds prospect has a big reputation and a very big name guiding his career. The 28-year-old signed with the Second City’s world title challenger Matt Macklin earlier this year.

On November 15, Cory will feature on Top Promotions’ show at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.

That’s the venue where the southpaw – unbeaten in 12 – gave such an impressive display on August 24.

He oozed class in demolishing Nicaraguan Engel Gomez in five rounds. He looked very classy, a champion in waiting.

And he’s fast becoming an adopted Brummie.

Jon Pegg, matchmaker for this month’s Holiday Inn show, said: “We’re looking at a six or eight rounder against good standard foreign opposition. It’s difficult to get anyone from over here to fight him.”

O’Regan has the amateur background to go far, but has found it difficult to clinch a title opportunity or arena appearances. He hopes Macklin can change that.

In a recent interview, he told me: “He (Matt) knows the game inside-out. I am 100 per cent putting my trust in him getting the right fights. It’s a bit crazy being managed by someone you watched on the TV all those years ago.

“Seamus (Macklin’s brother) is a mate. I need someone to get me the opportunities and push my career on, I’m looking for titles. We met and that was that.”

“My last amateur fight was with (now top world rated pro) Dalton Smith, I beat Sam Noakes (Commonwealth, British and European champ). One hundred per cent it’s frustrating to see what fighters I’ve boxed and beaten go on to achieve as professionals. I live the life, that’s not an issue.”

The show will also see Nuneaton’s exciting Minaaz Gurung – the only British pro born in Nepal – take part in his first six rounder.