‘The Buncrana Banger’ John Hutchinson aims to grab the first title of his career when he battles American fighter Robert Brando-Hunt for the Greater Boston Light middleweight title at The Roxy in Boston, USA this Saturday, July 27.
Unbeaten prospect Hutchinson has enjoyed a massive groundswell of support from the Massachusetts’ Irish community who have backed the Donegal boxer in numbers ahead of his American debut and he aims to reward their loyalty with knockout victory.
Hutchinson’s first year in the pro ranks has been a resounding success and the 26-year-old fighter’s confidence has been buoyed by wins in Belfast and Mayo in Ireland and Birmingham, England, so travelling away from home has never proven daunting for the 154lb tornado.
“We were fighting an MMA star that just turned to pro boxing called Pedro Gonzales, however he withdraw at late notice. I’m just glad that all John’s good work hasn’t gone to waste and that Brando-Hunt has stepped up to fight Hutchy,” explained manager Leonard Gunning.
“It’s a must that John takes care of business in convincing fashion this weekend. He never fails to have fans on the edge of their seats and I am sure he will impress the Boston locals as well. It’s been good for him to have a break in America but he has been working really hard over there and the support he has had has been immense really. He has been working with the likes of Irish greats Sean Mannion and Kevin McBride and even top rated Irish-American southpaw Danny O’Connor has dropped in to give his support, and will even carry the Irish flag into the ring for John this Saturday, so it seems it’s like a home from home for him out there.”
Hutchinson is confident that not only will he wrap the title around his waist this weekend but that he can stamp his mark on the American market by producing a knockout win for the throngs of supporters that have bought tickets to support him.
“I’m really buzzing to be given the chance to perform over here and work with some big names. The sparring over here has been world class and it’s brought out the best in me. I’ve put in the hard work, not cut any corners, so unless something goes seriously wrong then I’ll produce fireworks in Boston on Saturday,” added the unbeaten prospect with a glint of hunger in his eyes.
Fellow Inishowen fighter Michael McLaughlin has previous faced Brando-Hunt and given Hutchinson some inside tips on how to handle the American.
“It’s been a great advantage to have Michael’s advice. I can’t tell you what he said but I’m sure you will find out on Saturday,” chuckled Hutchinson. “Michael stopped him in the third round so I’ll try and go one better, but the main thing is to keep my eye on the ball and focus on the job at hand.
“I’ve been taken aback by the support in Boston, I’ll have sold over 200 tickets by fight night. The Irish over here really get behind you and they don’t know what it means to me. The local Glasgow Celtic supporters club are all coming, Irish bars in the area have been selling my tickets and I am determined not to let them down,” explained the former Illies Golden Gloves slugger.
The ‘Roxy Homecoming’ bill features a host local American talent headlined by the clash of local Light heavyweights Chris Traietti and Dion Stanley with unbeaten prospects like Gabriel Duluc, Ronald Ellis and Mical Weisberg bringing more quality to the show.
Tickets for John’s bout at the Roxy in Boston are available by calling 617-312-5059.
Follow John on Twitter at @BuncranaBanger