Limerick boxer Graham McCormack fights at Dublin's National Stadium

CONFIDENCE was the overwhelming feeling for Raheen boxer Graham McCormack as he continued to make the final preparations to tonight, Saturday, bout with ex-sparring partner Jade Karan, at Dublin's National Stadium.

Limerick boxer Graham explained that despite their history, Cork-based South African native Karan is coming to 'take his head off' in their Light Middleweight contest.

He will be 'sadly mistaken' in that regard, insisted a confident McCormack when speaking to Leader Sport.

Following eight months out of the ring, due to an injury and an opponent pulling out, southpaw McCormack is 'buzzing' for this Saturday night's six-round bout.

“I just want out get out there and put on a show for the Limerick people,” he said.  

His agent, Stephen Sharpe, stressed the importance of having the backing of local fans, “The crowd Graham brings, they make so much noise for every single fight. You can imagine what it would be like if we could bring the fights to Limerick.

This fight is a massive step up for McCormack, with TG4 broadcasting the event.

“It’s a massive platform to have on board”  said the father of four.

It’s also the aggressive southpaw’s first time to fight six rounds, which has forced him to change his approach slightly, “I came back a bit early for this camp, we did a ten week camp just so we could be properly prepared.  I’ve done over 150 rounds of sparring. Training's good, weight's good," said McCormack.

With some of his kids present for the media workout, McCormack praised the influence his children have had on his career.

“I just want to give them someone to look up to, all I want them to do is follow their dreams.  There’s obviously a lot of sacrifices but you can ask any successful person, there’s no success without sacrifice,” he said.

Saturday night's entire card is set to be streamed live on TG4’s YouTube channel with TV coverage of the card due to start at 8.30pm.

Limerick-based Siobhan O’Leary is also on the card, facing a tricky bout against an experienced Polish opponent in just her second professional fight.