By Tim McCloskey
Delco middleweight fights Saturday, July 31, at the Showboat Hotel and Casino.
Local boxer Brendan O’Callaghan is set to make his pro boxing debut on the famed boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
O’Callaghan, of Briarcliff, did not take the normal route to the pro ranks. Described by many as a tough kid, he was an All-Catholic Defensive End at Cardinal O’Hara High School and served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.
A native of South Philly, he trains at the Grays Ferry Boxing Gym under coach Mike Rafferty. When not training in the boxing ring, his day job is as a union electrician with Local 98.
He attended Our Lady of Fatima in Secane, and still has family back in County Cork.
“Most of my family went to St. Gabe’s, so Gray’s Ferry does feel like my second home,” said O’Callaghan.
Also on the star-studded card are unbeatens Bantamweight Dylan Price (13-0, 10 KOs) and Super-Featherweight Christian Tapia (11-0, 10 KOs) along with Philly lightweights Jeremy Cuevas and Jerome Conquest, and Junior Middleweight Isaiah Wise.
“I’d like to thank Mike Rafferty for getting me to this point, and for being a lifelong trainer and friend,” added Brendan.
“I’m predicting it will be a TKO in the third round.”
The event is being promoted by Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions, doors open at 6 p.m., first bout is at 7 p.m.