The Rocky Road to Croke Park - Part 1

The undercard for Katie Taylor’s Croke Park fight on September 5th has been officially confirmed - not that she needed one, judging by how ticket sales are said to have gone.In Part 1 of our special from Vicar Street, we hear from Jamie Conlan on how some of these fights came together. He manages Tyrone McKenna, who is in tough against heavy-handed world title challenger Paddy Donovan.We hear from both men on their all-Irish battle and why, for one, it’s the biggest fight of his life - while for the other, it’s a chance to have fun, lead his people to hallowed turf, and give them a day in the sun.Also on the card, Irish Olympic boxer Emmet Brennan - who grew up in the shadow of Croker - faces a monster test against UK KO artist Taylor Bevan. Emmet talks about what it’s been like spending 18 months out of the ring, his delight at landing a slot like this, and why he credits quitting alcohol with so much of his recent success. He also explains why he believes he can exploit weaknesses in Bevan and earn himself a bumper promotional deal.There’s an all-Irish clash at middleweight too, as Paul Ryan takes on Paddy Gallagher - both of whom have been guests on the show to tell their stories in 2026. We check in with both as they come to terms with winning the golden ticket so many of their fellow boxers coveted: a backstage pass on Jones’ Road and the chance to say, “I fought there.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.