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Anthony Cacace tips Belfast boxer to 'reach the top' ahead of pro debut
World champion Anthony Cacace knows boxing talent when he sees it, and he believes Barry McReynolds is destined for big things in the fight game.
McReynolds is preparing for his professional debut on Friday night. The 24-year-old takes on Kevin Traynor in a four-round welterweight clash at the Warehouse at the Red Cow in Dublin.
The Glen Road native's pro bow has gained plenty of interest, notably from IBF and WBO World super-featherweight champion Cacace who knows McReynolds well from the Holy Trinity gym in West Belfast.
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In a promo video for McReynolds' fight, Cacace talked up the newcomer's chances of scaling the heights in the paid ranks.
He said: "Barry can punch. I would tip him to be one of the best coming through.
"He has decided to turn pro here. I believe he has all the skills and attributes to get to the very top of the game."
McReynolds - who fought over 120 times in the amateurs - says he feels the time is right to make the transition into professional boxing.
The two-time Ulster champion and European silver medallist (twice) said: "I feel I have done everything I need to do in the amateurs. I never saw myself going to the Olympics. My dream is to be a world champion professional boxer, and I am following my dream.
"People always say I have got a lot of power, but I am also a good boxer. The boxing comes first, and then the stoppages will come.
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"I would like to campaign at light-welterweight for the start of my career and see how my body develops.
Holy Trinity head coach Michael Hawkins added: "Barry started boxing when he was about 11 years old, and he joined us when he was 12 or 13. He has won eight Irish titles so he is a very good boxer."
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