Tommy McCarthy joins Nevin in the professional ranks

Two-time Irish Elite champion Tommy McCarthy has turned professional.

The Belfast boxer joins fellow Irish fighters John Joe Nevin, Anthony Cacace, Tyrone McKenna and Ray Ginley at Berkeley Sports and Media of the UK and Green Blood of Philadelphia.

McCarthy, a bronze medal winner at the 2008 AIBA World Youths, reached the last-eight at the World Championships in Kazakhstan last October.

The current AIBA World No 9 ranked heavyweight will fight in America and the UK and could make his pro debut on St Patrick’s Day at the House of Blues in Boston on a card including London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Nevin.

Opponents have yet to be named for both Irish boxers.

McCarthy, who was boxing out of the Oliver Plunkett BC in Belfast, will spar and train with some of the top names in the USA.

“I am looking forward to the new challenge ahead in the professional boxing ranks,” said the 23-year-old former Commonwealth Games silver medallist.

“America is the best in the world for boxing and have great opportunities ahead which includes working in Philadelphia with former IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Steve Cunningham.”

Tom Moran, chief at the Anglo Irish American stable Green Blood, believes McCarthy can make it all the way to the top.

“He’s a great addition to the Green Blood boxing stable. I’m really looking forward to working with Tommy and watching him progress into a world champion,” he said.

“We have built up a really strong team of Irish boxers and this year will be an exciting year for Irish fight fans and for our boxers.”