James Metcalf won big in Bilbao, travelling on short notice to take on Kerman Lejarraga in the Basque country and returning with the WBA Continental Super-Welterweight title. His opponent has held a number of European and international honours throughout the course of his career and this success was well earned by the 33 year-old known as 'Kid Shamrock'.
Having enjoyed an eleven year professional career, the son of Liverpool fighting great Shea Neary, Metcalf is no stranger to success having previously held WBC and commonwealth belts. However, he has had to bounce back having suffered disappointing defeats to Ted Cheeseman and Kieron Conway at the end of 2021 top end his unbeaten record.
The fight took place just two months after he beat Evgenii Vazem via TKO in a much-needed win in April and places him right at the top of the super-welterweight rankings, putting him in line for a world title shot. His opponent had almost gone three years without a defeat, winning his last six fights to show the scale of Metcalf's away day success last month.
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This sets Metcalf up for what could be the fight of his career in the 154lb division, for which American Jermall Charno is currently undisputed champion. After his win, Eddie Hearn was clearly impressed and sent Metcalf a message via Instagram, saying: Quick trip to Bilbao and congrats to @kidshamrock88 - jumped in big fight after big fight and tonight pulled off the big away win! @daznboxing
Metcalf has now signed a deal with Hearn's Matchroom promotional company along with broadcaster DAZN for future fights, a move replicated by Anthony Joshua in recent months and Metcalf spoke of his excitement for the future after the deal was announced.
“I’m delighted to be teaming up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Metcalf. “I was made up to get the win over Kerman Lejarraga out in Bilbao last month. I needed to get that win to set me up for what comes next in my career. I’ve rectified the mistakes and I’m looking forward to a big chapter in my career.
“My father has always been a massive part of my career; he’s trained me all the way through really. It’s great having Joe McNally and Declan O'Rourke in my corner. I’ve worked with Joe in the past, so I know how it feels. I’ve got a great team around me now and I’m confident they can secure me some big fights in the super-welterweight division.”
