Irish-born boxers who have relocated in the Boston area have included Stevie Collins and Kevin McBride. A pair of relatively new Bostonians from Ireland, prospects Michael McLaughlin and John “Bancara Banger” Hutchinson, are following in their footsteps.
Collins, of course, became a world middleweight and super middleweight champion and McBride is best known as the Irishman who knocked out “Iron” Mike Tyson into retirement. McLaughlin and Hutchinson may never match their fellow country-men’s accomplishments, but they will be showcased October 26 on a special Saturday afternoon (2 p.m. / ET start) “Boxing Event Under The Tent” card, presented by Big Six Entertainment in association with Danny Kelly Promotions.
The Irish Cultural Centre of New England, located just outside of Boston in Canton (MA), will be hosting its first professional boxing event, headlined by unbeaten welterweight Diego Periera (8-0-1, 6 KOs), of Providence, and Norwalk (CT) veteran Shaka Moore (11-19-3, 2 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
McLaughlin (4-0-2, 1 KO), a junior middleweight from Donegal, and middleweight Bancara’s Hutchinson (4-0-2, 1 KO) will be fighting in against, respectively, Sergio Carera (0-1), of Somerville (MA), and Hyannis’ (MA) Robert Hunt (0-3).
Also slated to be fighting on the undercard in four-round matches are Pembroke (MA) cruiserweight Vinnie Carita (6-1, 6 KOs) vs. Brockton’s Houston Crayton (1-5), local favorite Gerard Schifone (1-0), of nearby Stoughton, vs. Somerville’s pro-debuting light middleweight Lucas Cruz, Dorchester heavyweight Donnie “The Big Nasty” Palmer (1-0-1, 1 KOs) vs. Lawrence’s (MA) pro-debuting Chyan Vasquez, Providence light middleweight Pubilo Pena (1-1, 1 KO) vs. Worcester’s (MA) pro-debuting Wayne Harnoise, and 2012 National PAL champion “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (2-0, 1 KO), of Lynn (MA), vs. TBA.
All fighters are subject to change. Tickets are priced at $100.00 and $40.00 and available to purchase by calling 617.312.5059 or at the Irish Culture Centre.
