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 😱#TaylorCarabajal pic.twitter.com/2kVeL5Rh14
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 29, 2022
Cully is aiming to fight on the undercard of the proposed Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano rematch in what would be the biggest ever boxing event in Irish history, should it come to fruition.
The profile of fighting in Croke Park could lead to making Dublin his regular home, according to Cully.
He added: "The year 2022 was massive for me, the biggest of my career so far. 2023, I believe, is the year where I really become a star and become a name in world boxing. I want to fight early in the year and get some ring time and get active.
"A big aim of mine this year is to fight at Croke Park back in my home on the undercard of the big Katie Taylor rematch with Amanda Serrano. Hopefully all going well that gets over the line and I'll be in a position for a big fight on that card.
"I hope to be co-headlining on Katie’s show in a big fight against a Jorge Linares or another big name in the division.
"Moving on, later into the year, I’d like to return to Dublin and headline my own show. I want to become a force and a name back in my home at the 3Arena."
Cully’s promoter Eddie Hearn has been taken by the Kildare fighter: "Gary Cully enjoyed a Matchroom debut to remember and certainly caught the attention of the lightweight division
"I was so impressed with that performance that I wanted to extend this deal further so we can get some solid plans in place to see Gary become a world champion at 135lbs.
"He talks the talk and can clearly walk the walk and I believe that 'The Diva' is going to have an even bigger 2023. I have full belief that if Gary fulfils his potential he can become the next star of Irish boxing."
