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Gareth Fullerton

Co Tyrone boxer Feargal McCrory says wife's motivation stopped him from quitting fight game

A Co Tyrone boxer whose career has been reignited in the United States has credited his wife for stopping him quit the sport he loves.

Feargal McCrory made his professional debut way back in 2015 but has fought just 14 times in the paid ranks over the past eight years.

He was inactive for three years between 2019 and 2022, citing the coronavirus pandemic and "some bad decision-making on my part" for his absence.

Read more: Frampton says Midland youngster is 'inspiration' for others to follow

But things are starting to look up for the Coalisland native after he reignited his career in the United States.

McCrory returned to action in September last year, beating Cesar Cantu in Brooklyn, and then stopped Aelio Mesquita inside one round at Atlantic City in February.

And earlier this month he stopped Eduardo Pereira Dos Reis in a headline fight in Philadelphia to keep his world title dreams intact.

McCrory has poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears during his boxing journey, and he credits his wife Genevieve for giving him the drive and inspiration to continue on the road to glory.

Feargal McCrory (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

The 30-year-old said on social media: "'Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey!'

"I told my wife I was quitting. Nothing was happening, and every time we overcame one obstacle, there was a bigger one waiting behind it. She was the one who told me to keep going and through all the uncertainty, kept supporting me in every decision I made. Right and wrong.

"Without her, I wouldn't be living these experiences I always dreamed of.

"Sometimes, you never realise how close you are, never give up. Fight news dropping soon."

Reflecting on his latest win, McCrory told the Irish Star: "Whenever I'm in the US, I train full-time. I need to make sure I'm ready because the fights in America are a lot more difficult than the fights back home. You have to make sure you're prepared and are making the necessary sacrifices.

"A lot of people came over from Ireland, my wife, and mother included. I'm very lucky that I have a lot of support and friends in New York and Philadelphia, many of whom made the journey to see me."

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