The world of boxing, where grit, skill, and the will to overcome converge, Gary Cully is set to face Reece Mould for the WBA Continental Europe lightweight title. This much-anticipated bout, slated for November 25th at the 3Arena in Dublin, isn’t just a contest for a regional title but a narrative of redemption, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
Gary Cully, a name synonymous with Irish boxing prowess, steps into the ring with an impressive 16-1 record, showcasing 10 knockouts that speak volumes of his power. Yet, beneath this veneer of success lies a tale of a recent stumble – a third-round TKO defeat to Jose Felix in May, in the very arena where he now seeks redemption.
Cully’s bout with Felix was more than a fight; it was a revelation. Pegged as a routine victory in his Dublin debut, it turned into a sobering encounter as Felix, an unheralded Mexican fighter, shattered the script with a startling knockout. This loss wasn’t just a blot on his record; it was a lesson steeped in humility and the unpredictable nature of boxing.
On the other side of the ring stands Reece Mould, the robust English contender, carrying an equally commendable 18-1 record with six knockouts. His recent victories over Christian Lopez Flores and Hamed Ghaz not only bolster his confidence but also testify to his rising status in the lightweight category.
Mould’s journey to Dublin marks his first fight outside the United Kingdom, adding an international dimension to his expanding career. With his eyes set on the WBA Continental Europe title, Mould steps into a new realm of challenges and opportunities.
Reflecting on his unexpected defeat to Jose Felix, Cully candidly admitted to the media, “Something wasn’t quite right with me. I didn’t really know it at the time, but my mind wasn’t fully focused.” This loss was more than a statistic on his record; it was a wake-up call. The party planned for his victory never happened, and the loss became a moment of profound introspection.
In a revealing confession, Cully acknowledged, “I fell into that trap as well of ‘The Diva Gary Cully’ – Gary is the guy and Gary is the man. I probably fell into that trap a little bit as well and started believing my own hype.”
In the aftermath, Cully realized the importance of not just physical training but also mental preparation. He sought the expertise of respected coach Joe McNally at the Rotunda ABC in Liverpool, training alongside luminaries like Belfast Super-Welterweight contender Caoimhin Agyarko. This shift marked a new chapter in Cully’s career, one grounded in humility and hard work.
Regarding his upcoming opponent, Cully said, “Reece Mould, he’s tough and he’s game. He’s been around the block, 19 fights, 18 wins. He’s only lost to Leigh Wood so he’s no mug.” This respect for Mould’s prowess is palpable, yet Cully’s determination to prove his mettle remains undiminished.
He asserted, “I want to put pain on somebody and I want to put on a performance, beat somebody down and show them I’m at the level I say I’m at.” It’s not just about reclaiming a title; it’s about demonstrating to himself, and the world, that he has evolved both as a fighter and a person.
Cully’s reflection on his journey is both profound and personal. “I’ve been through some ups and downs in my life, but that loss was the hardest. It felt like the world was ending at one point,” he revealed. Yet, it’s this adversity that has fueled his comeback. He’s not just fighting Mould; he’s battling his past self – a version that perhaps took success for granted.
Despite the high stakes, Cully feels no pressure. “This is personal and me versus me this time around,” he declared. At the Rotunda, Cully finds himself among peers like MMA fighter Darren Till, yet he doesn’t consider himself above anyone else. “When I come in here, I’m just another one of the lads,” he said, underlining the humility that now guides his approach.
The Cully-Mould bout is part of an electrifying night of boxing in Dublin, adding to the high-octane atmosphere is the undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron, putting her title on the line against Irish legend Katie Taylor. With Cameron’s unbeaten record and Taylor’s impressive 22-1 standing, this fight is more than a contest – it’s a battle for supremacy in the super-lightweight category.
The event also features a collection of bouts showcasing emerging talents and seasoned fighters alike. Limerick welterweight Paddy Donovan, boasting an unblemished record, faces Danny Ball for the WBA Continental Title. This fight is a stepping stone for Donovan, looking to make a statement in the welterweight division.
Thomas Carty, another Dublin native, takes on Dan Garber in an eight-round heavyweight clash. With both fighters looking to cement their position in the heavyweight hierarchy, this battle will be one of power and strategy.
Australia’s Skye Nicolson, the Interim WBC Featherweight World Champion, defends her title against Sweden’s Lucy Wildheart. Nicolson’s unbroken winning streak meets Wildheart’s ambition, making this a match where strategy and skill will be as important as strength.
The international presence is strong with Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett, a former Super-Featherweight World Title challenger, facing Spain’s Costin Ion. Barrett’s experience and Ion’s determination will collide over eight rounds of intense boxing action.
Belfast’s John Cooney and Dublin’s Liam Gaynor will vie for the Celtic Featherweight crown. Both fighters bring a mix of skill and ambition to the ring, each aiming to elevate their standing in the featherweight division.
In the light-heavyweight category, Dublin’s Emmet Brennan and Limerick’s Jamie Morrisey compete for the Celtic Light-Heavyweight Title. With Brennan’s experience and Morrisey’s undefeated record, this bout is set to be a riveting contest.
The evening begins with Guildford’s Giorgio Visioli making his super-featherweight debut against Lee Anthony Sibley. This match is more than an opening bout; it’s a first glimpse at a potential future star in Visioli.
