Tommy McCarthy

Biography

Tommy McCarthy is an Irish professional boxer who held the European cruiserweight title. Born 4 November 1990, McCarthy began his boxing journey as an amateur, earning a bronze medal for Ireland at the 2008 Youth World Championships.

McCarthy turned professional in 2014 and won his debut fight against Rolandas Cesna by technical knockout in the third round. He continued his winning streak in his early professional career, winning all his fights in 2014 and 2015 by stoppage or points decision.

In 2016, McCarthy faced his first significant challenge against Jon-Lewis Dickinson, winning the ten-round bout unanimously. However, he suffered his first professional loss later that year against Matty Askin.

After the loss, McCarthy bounced back with several wins in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, he challenged for the WBA Inter-continental Cruiserweight title against Richard Riakporhe but lost by a fourth-round technical knockout.

McCarthy's career reached a new high in 2019 when he defeated Fabio Turchi by split decision to win the WBC International cruiserweight title. He followed this victory by winning the European cruiserweight title against Bilal Laggoune in October 2020.

As the European champion, McCarthy successfully defended his title against Alexandru Jur in May 2021, winning by a sixth-round knockout. However, he faced a setback in his next fight against Chris Billam-Smith in July 2021, losing his European title and failing to capture the Commonwealth and British cruiserweight titles in a closely contested split decision.

McCarthy sought redemption in an immediate rematch against Billam-Smith in April 2022 but ultimately lost the fight by an eighth-round technical knockout.

Tommy McCarthy has demonstrated his skills and determination in the cruiserweight division throughout his professional career, capturing regional and international titles. Despite some setbacks, he remains a prominent figure in Irish boxing.

In November 2023, McCarthy lost in Poland to Michal Cieslak in a bid for his old European belt and later to Cheavon Clarke by 4th-round stoppage in The Ulster Hall. He decided to hang his gloves up for good.