An Irishman in New York. It’s hardly a unique tale.
But for Feargal McCrory, his story includes a cancelled bout, training with movie stars and months away from home.
Not many can say that.
Like many boxers, McCrory’s professional career had taken him around various venues in the United Kingdom and Ireland, just waiting for his big break.
That break was set to come on the undercard of Michael Conlan’s St Patrick’s Day bout in 2020 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Covid-19 intervened however and the world was plunged into lockdown and the fight cancelled with three days’ notice.
The 31-year-old was trying to sort refunds for his supporters when he got in touch with his airline, where he was told : “If you don’t get on the flight on Tuesday we don’t know when you’ll be getting home”.
The message was understood.
“I remember walking around New York trying to get my daughter a present to take home and it was something out of the film ‘I am Legend’.
“There was no New York city hustle, no sirens and no people. It was a crazy time.”
Keoghan ‘has potential’ as a boxer
After a three-year hiatus from the ring, little did McCrory know that New York would become his second home.
He now spends the majority of his time living in ‘Little Ireland’ in the north of the city and is now training in the world-famous Wall Street financial district.
In the madness of Manhattan, McCrory is as active a boxer as he has ever been. Since switching his career stateside he is undefeated in six bouts.
“If you told my teachers back in school that I’d be working out of the financial district they would take some look at you,” McCrory joked.
His new surroundings have also led him to rubbing shoulders with some world famous stars.
Otto Wallin, who has fought Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, has frequented the gym, while Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin star Barry Keoghan also calls in to train when he’s in the Big Apple.
“Barry is a great fella and I’ve got to know him and he is a really good person,” McCrory added.
“He boxed for a number of years in Dublin when he was younger. Being a movie star now I’m sure he’s not allowed to compete or get punched in the face.
“He’s good. He’s got potential but if it’s between a movie star or a boxer, I don’t think it’s a competition.”
‘Sacrifices have to be made’
Hailing from Coalisland, McCrory is as proud as anyone to come from Tyrone and represent his county on the world stage.
Naturally, after settling in America, it has led to huge sacrifices as McCrory chases his dream.
McCrory’s pregnant wife, Genevieve, and two children, Aoife and Conan, are back in Coalisland while he is in New York for months at a time. In fact, he has been away for eight-and-a-half months of the last 12. That’s a lot of commitment.
“I’m away from my family for very long periods. My wife is due again in October.
“I want to lead by example and show my kids that if you want something then you really have to go and get it. Sacrifices have to be made.”
McCrory admits that saying he is fighting for his family is a cliche, but “it’s the truth”.
“This is for my kids. I have a great life with a beautiful home and a beautiful family.
“I love fighting, this is for my kids and this is to help set them up in life. That is my motivation and they keep me going.”
‘This is what I’ve wanted my whole life’
Now McCrory is getting ready for the biggest fight of his life.
His career has been on an upward trajectory and he will face Lamont Roach for the WBA world super featherweight title in Washington DC on Saturday.
When he was contacted about the fight his response was ‘when and where?’. It was not a hard decision to make.
“You don’t turn these opportunities down. This is something I have craved for a very long time.
“There is a lot more at stake, obviously, but it’s another night in the office.”
It is a prestigious title held by Carl Frampton and Barry McGuigan at different weight divisions, which tells you everything you need to know about what is on the line.
When asked what it would mean to bring the belt back to ‘Little Ireland’ and Tyrone, McCrory simply said: “Everything”.
“I’ve said this long before this fight was announced. My greatest achievement in my boxing career, regardless of what I achieve, will always be the support I have gathered,” he added.
“I haven’t allowed myself to really think about that. My focus is firmly on Lamont Roach.
“But to bring it back to Coalisland, to those who have supported me, it’s hard to put that into words. It would be incredible.”
McCrory is the underdog heading into the favourite’s back yard, but he is happy flying under the radar against Roach.
“If I perform to my full capability then I win this fight. Rightly so I’m the underdog, 100%.
“It is going to be a hard fight and there will be some sketchy moments, some difficult moments. They don’t give out a world title so I’m ready for it.
“This is every single thing I’ve wanted in my life in one night. I’ve been in this game for 20 years and it comes down to one night.”
