Photograph ©Russell Pritchard / Cyclone Promotions
Belfast trainer John Breen has high hopes for the two leading lights of his gym – Marc McCullough and Jamie Conlan. John reckons that with the right exposure and consistent ring activity the talented pair could aspire to world level. For Breen’s prophecies to come true both men must negotiate past their respective opponents on the April 4 undercard of Frampton-Cazares. McCullough, for one, is expecting to have his hands full with rugged Belarusian Andrei Isaeu in a featherweight 10-rounder for the WBO European strap.
“This is a great opportunity to get my name out there and against a guy who brings a lot of experience,” said Marc, who made a statement last time out with an impressive stoppage win over Willie Casey.
“The fight with Casey gave me a good nine rounds and inside a packed Odyssey too. I’ve only seen clips of my opponent and I know he comes forward and throws a lot of punches but some are quite wild. He’s similar to Casey and he has fought Rendall Munroe in the past so he’ll certainly be tough to beat.”
Isaeu has amassed a credible 25-4 record since turning pro way back in 2002. The 33-year-old was stopped on cuts by Kevin Mitchell in 2006 and on points to quality Ukrainian operator Oleg Yefimovych in 2010 for the EBU title. Andrei has proven in the past that he is not afraid to travel abroad and give a good account of himself and is generally durable enough to push McCullough in to deep waters. This is just the test that the former Cairn Lodge boxer needs at this stage of his fledgling career. It is a test he will have to come through if he is to fulfill the ambitions set out for him and team mate Conlan.
“I believe that with the backing of Barry McGuigan both Marc and Jamie can win world titles,” predicted John Breen.