Gary Cully lands extended promotional deal ahead of Croke Park and future tilt at world title

Gary Cully has been tipped as "the next star of Irish boxing" after a signing a multi-fight extension with Matchroom in a bid to garner a world title challenge.

The 26-year-old from Naas kicked off a memorable 2022 by earning an impressive fifth-round stoppage win over Mexico's former IBF lightweight world champion Miguel Vazquez on the undercard of Leigh Wood's win over Michael Conlan in Nottingham last March.

Cully, who fights out of the Colosseum Gym in Dublin under the guidance of Pete Taylor and Niall Barrett, then signed with Matchroom in August before claiming a stunning first-round knockout win over Jaouad Belmehdi at Wembley’s OVO Arena in October.

That has led to Cully securing a long-term deal with one of the leading promoters in the sport.

He has a record of 15 wins from as many fights, including nine knockouts.

"I’m delighted to sign a new deal and pledge my long-term future with Matchroom," said Cully.

"I’m only one fight into my first deal so for Matchroom to come to me so soon after initially signing with them and offer me a new deal shows the belief that they have in me.

"I’ve always believed that Matchroom are the best promotional company in boxing, and I’ve always seen myself and my career being aligned with Matchroom.

"To get this deal across the line is massive for me. As soon as we sat down and talked about the plans for the future it was a no brainer for me."

GARY CULLY IN HALF A MINUTE