Brett McGinty planning an 'explosive' performance

Brett McGinty says he’s ready to ‘rock and roll’ with an explosive display on Saturday night.

The St Johnston man (6-0, 1KO) faces Patrik Fiala (5-3-2, 5KOs) on the undercard of The Return, headlined by Jason Quigley, at the National Stadium.

McGinty, who is coached by former world champ Ricky Hatton, wants to keep his unblemished record intact as he looks to work his way into Celtic title territory in 2023.

“You can expect a good, explosive performance,” McGinty says ahead of his six-rounder with Fiala.

Brett McGinty keen to keep learning from 'ferocious' Ricky Hatton

As he was preparing for his fight with Alessandro Ruggiero, Brett McGinty's coach, Ricky Hatton, a former world champion, was warming up for an exhibition bout with Marco Antonio Barrera

“Camp has been really good and Ricky believes it’s been my best camp so far. Hopefully I can show that in my performance - and I have full intention of doing so. I want to get the wins, build on them and push towards domestic titles.

“I’m fight ready and good to go. The hard part is done now and I’m ready to rock and roll.”

McGinty had a frustrating wait to get his pro career kick-started in December 2020.

The former Oakleaf ABC puncher, who was a Commonwealth Youth silver and European Schoolboys bronze medalist in his teens, is delighted to get a chance to fight under Quigley.

The two are attached to Sheer Sports Management and Quigley has been at close quarters with McGinty in recent times.

McGinty said: “This is a great bill to be on and there is some top talent on there.

"It’s headlined by Jason Quigley, a world title challenger so it has everything you’d want. It will be a good night of boxing for the fans and I’m looking forward to putting on a good night for the fans.

“Jason has been to the top of the sport and fought for a world title. This is his first fight back since and we’re all getting treated to his first fight at home.”

One thing that has been noticeable about McGinty since he flipped over to the paid ranks has been his boisterous army of fans. The legions will flock from the St Johnston and Derry directions again this weekend.

Fiala might be expected to bring a tough edge, but McGinty says he’ll have the tools to deal with whatever the Czech throws his way.

He said: “My opponent is coming with a good record. He’s in good shape and looks fired up. I’ll be ready for whatever he brings here.”