GB Three Nations Gold Medallist Set to Turn Professional in the New Year
Standout amateur prospect Martin McDonagh is set to turn professional in the new year after signing a management deal with MTK Global.
The 22-year-old light-welterweight, an Elite ABA finalist, wore an amateur vest for the last time earlier this month when representing England and he now bids to kick-start a promising career in the paid ranks.
A native of Kent, McDonagh trains out of Rumbles Gym in Sittingbourne under coach Billy Rumble.
The GB Elite Three Nations gold medallist pushed world-ranked Luke McCormack all the way in the English Elite finals last April. However, the tricky southpaw believes he is now ready to make his mark in the pro game.
“I’ve mixed with the best as an amateur, but I think the time is right to go pro now,” said McDonagh. “You can’t box for free all the time! I’m ready to go and make my name and start a new journey as a pro and MTK will help me to do that.
“I’m delighted to be signing with MTK. They’ve got a big stable and big-name fighters too – Tyson Fury, Billy Joe Saunders, Liam Smith – so I’m looking forward to working with such a great team.
“Those are some good names to follow and I definitely plan on following in their footsteps,” added the southpaw, whose coach predicted that McDonagh is bound to succeed as a professional.
“He’s got it all,” said Billy Rumble. “He listens, he’s 100 per cent dedicated and if he carries on doing what he’s doing I think he can go all the way in the pro game. I’ve got high hopes for him.”
