Craig Callaghan turning pro in the states

[slickvik69]

Just met this lad last night, really good kid, turning pro very soon. I wish him all the best!

Young boxer Craig Callaghan chases American dream
Mar 17 2010

CRAIG CALLAGHAN will chase his professional boxing dream by moving Stateside and joining forces with a top trainer.

The Sefton ABC welterweight and former ABA Senior Novice champion is joining forces with renowned trainer Jay Johns in Houston, Texas.

Johns lists former world heavyweight champion and undisputed cruiserweight king Evander Holyfield as one former protegees who has passed through his Savannah Boxing Club.

Craig, 22, has revealed his delight about making the move and leaving his job in IT but admits it will be difficult to leave his family and friends.

With the Senior Amateur Boxing Association of England championships (ABA’s) starting early next week, Craig says he will compete but if the call comes from trainer Johns then he will pull out of the tournament.

Callaghan said: "I’m turning professional in a couple weeks hopefully. I have been in talks with a really good trainer called Jay Johns in Houston. I spoke to one of his boxers, Omar Henry who is a massive prospect, got Jay’s number and gave him a ring. I sent him a couple of videos of me boxing and he was happy with them. It is going to be massive leaving my family behind but boxing is the only thing I am good at so I will go out and do my best. Jay has sorted me out a place to stay and all my training fees are paid for as part of me signing a contract with him.

"Everyone is behind me 100%, work fully understand the situation and my family are really supportive of the move. They know I am doing this for them as well."

As Craig waits for the call, he insists his focus is on the ABA’s with the weigh-in on Sunday at the Alsop Hall Sports Centre, Walton.

Three fighters are expected to enter from Merseyside in Craig’s welterweight division meaning at least one bout next week.

The prospective contest will be Craig’s first in over five months after picking up a broken hand.

Callaghan admits last year’s ABA experience was disappointing having gone in as one of the favourites to claim the national honours, his tournament ended at the Merseyside and Cheshire finals stages when he lost to Stephen Jennings.

Tower Hill stylist Jennings has since gone to carve out a 4-0 pro record and Callaghan hopes to follow his blueprint.

"I’m looking forward to the ABA’s. I’ve gone up in weight this time and though I’ve not fought for a while I’m really fit and so there can be no excuses. I would have loved to have gone all the way last year but I fought a really good lad who is now doing well as a professional. I feel a lot better and stronger at this weight and can eat and drink what I want. I came back too soon from my broken hand but have given the right amount of rest this time and I have been really sharp in sparring."

[jBacca]

I know of this lad, good amateur and probably would have won more accolades if it weren't for the talented division.

Wish him all the best over in the States.

[slickvik69]

I know of this lad, good amateur and probably would have won more accolades if it weren't for the talented division.

Wish him all the best over in the States.

He's a nice kid very hungry he left a well paying job to pursue boxing. He is a nice kid too hope he does well he will fight at 140 he debuts in June.

[terrdilk]

I know of this lad, good amateur and probably would have won more accolades if it weren't for the talented division.

Wish him all the best over in the States.

He's a nice kid very hungry he left a well paying job to pursue boxing. He is a nice kid too hope he does well he will fight at 140 he debuts in June.

Really nice kid done quite alot if sparring wih him when I pop in the gym to see there up an coming lads and train there if carnt make it to bolton. An the kid can really wack for the size if him wish him all the best think he will make a decent pro lives and dreams th sporT

[Chris W 1982]

Watched him twice in ABA's earlier this month.

Lost regional final to Boxing Academy winner Adam Ismail in a timid bout that never really got going.

Wish Craig all the best but I sense his journey to glory will be a lot harder then most.

[slickvik69]

I sense his journey to glory will be a lot harder then most.

Why is that? Just curious I don't know anything about him he just showed up to the gym the other day our newest boxer.