James 'JJ' Metcalf set his sights on a world title showdown with Dennis Hogan after he retained his WBA Continental super-welterweight title against Courtney Pennington on Saturday night.
Metcalf secured the biggest win of his career to date last time out with a unanimous decision victory over Kerman Lejarraga, in Bilbao, Spain, back in May. That win for 'Kid Shamrock', who is the son of former WBU light-welterweight champion Shea Neary, came after he had been beaten by Ted Cheeseman and Kieron Conway.
Pennington was viewed ahead of the bout as a serious test for Metcalf, but the 34-year-old looked levels above the New Yorker, with the fight eventually being waved off after six rounds. Metcalf dominated from the opening bell and had Pennington under sustained attack in the fourth before the Scouser piled on the pressure in the fifth.
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A big left hook and then a solid right hurt Pennington during the penultimate round of the bout before the fight was eventually waved off by referee Howard Foster following the end of the sixth. Back under the tutelage of Joe McNally, Metcalf has looked rejuvenated this year and is now eyeing a world title fight against IBO champion Hogan at Croke Park next year.
“I was devastated after them defeats but things happen for a reason,” Metcalf said following the fight. “That was a learning experience. I was bit a flat there and next time I won’t be.
“I’ve heard Dennis Hogan [the IBO champion] says he wants to fight in Ireland, where my ancestors are from - at Croke Park on the Katie Taylor bill. I’d love that fight.
“Dennis is a proper fighter, but I don’t know if he’ll take the fight, so if you are listening, Dennis, let’s get it on. It makes sense to me.”
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