SUNDERLAND die-hard Kiaran MacDonald is ready to brave wearing the red and white of his beloved Black Cats when he debuts in Newcastle.
The former Team GB amateur standout turns professional on Saturday – live on DAZN – in Geordie territory.
Former Team GB boxer Kiaran MacDonald makes his pro debutCredit: Getty
MacDonald joined SunSport’s No Gloves Lost panel ahead of his debut bout and was probed on going behind enemy lines.
But he said without hesitation: “When I come out with my red and white colours, it might go down like a lead balloon!”
MacDonald spent over TEN YEARS on the Team GB squad in Sheffield, winning silver and bronze medals at European Championship level.
But he now turns pro under ex-world champion Anthony Crolla, doing so at
Kelly, 31, against feared Russian champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, 33.
The 2016 Olympian has been – but now MacDonald is on the scene to add firepower.
He said: “It always boils back down to the football but deep down, I think the boxing and the fighting culture in the North East, everyone sort of gets behind each other and it wants everyone to do well because we don’t have much boxing in the North East.
“So we all need everyone to pull together really. Obviously there’s a lot of talent up there and there always has been.
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is expected to make his return, is closing in on a world title shot and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown.
Canelo Alvarez will be hoping to return after his defeat to Terence Crawford and heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk will also need to defend his straps.
Derek Chisora could fight for the 50th and final time and Daniel Dubois is also on the comeback trail.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of , Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
Up first we have a massive fight with Stateside superstars and Teofimo Lopez meeting later this month in Madison Square Garden.
Here’s all the big fights coming up…
January
- Sat 24 – Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz – IBF lightweight title – DAZN
- Sat 31 – Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson – WBO super-lightweight title – DAZN PPV
- Sat 31 – Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly – IBF super-welterweight title – DAZN
- Sat 31 – Francesca Hennessy vs Ellie Bouttell – BBC2
February
- Sat 7 – Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa – WBA featherweight title – DAZN
- Sat 21 – Ryan Garcia vs Mario Barrios – WBC welterweight title – DAZN PPV
- Sat 21 – Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington – DAZN
- Sun 22 – Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn – heavyweight unification – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Emanuel Navarrete vs Eduardo Nunez – super-featherweight unification – DAZN
March
“We’re all working class people, and we like to fight for everything we have.
“It’s just getting the headliners up into the North East and people that can sell the arenas, and then everything will just bounce off that.
“With Josh Kelly fighting up there if he goes on to win his world title, and it’ll just catapult from there.”
Kelly has talked up headlining at the Stadium of Light – with Sunderland chiefs keen to host a boxing event.
And MacDonald, 28, added: “Obviously Josh has got to do his part of the bargain but it’s been a lifelong dream for myself to fight at the stadium.
Josh Kelly vs Bakhram Murtazaliev - all the info
The Toon hosts two world title fights!
The North East will welcome an absolutely PACKED night of boxing this Saturday as Josh Kelly tops a massive bill at the Newcastle Arena.
Sunderland star Kelly will sell out the venue for his IBF super-welterweight title shot against unbeaten Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev.
It is a huge test for Kelly – who battered Flavius Biea with a round one KO last June – against hard-hitting Murtazaliev.
The undercard also offers plenty of intrigue, with popular Josh Padley fighting Jaouad Belmehdi fighting for a European title.
Highly-rated heavyweight prospect Leo Atang is also in action, while Elif Nur Turhan faces Taylah Gentzen for the women’s IBF lightweight title.
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“Pack that place out and obviously I’ve got to be the one to carry the torch after Josh has finished.
“Starting my career that’s what I’m aiming for as well, not only Josh to headline and win the world title there but for me to bring more big nights.”
Former lightweight champ-turned coach Crolla was an avid fan – travelling home and away.
So Crolla recognises a real supporter when he sees one – and MacDonald is certainly one.
Crolla said: “Kieran’s match-going, do you know what I mean? He’s a match-going Mackam. He’s at the matches and stuff, it’s genuine.
“Where obviously there’s certain boxers are just attach yourself to a local football club or a big club and try and ride off the back of that.
“With Kieran, like I say it’s genuine. And I was fortunate to have the same myself because people see you on the way at the away games, they see you in the stands. So they know it’s very authentic.”
MacDonald is trained by ex-world champ Anthony Crolla, rightCredit: Instagram
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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