By Brendan Galbraith: Shortly before 12 noon today, I arrived at the Immaculata Club in Belfast to meet with British Featherweight Champion Martin ‘Mac Man’ Lindsay. As Lindsay, finished off his last round of circuit training with his gym mates, I surveyed some of the wall-coverings of framed photographs and newspaper clippings of some of Ireland’s finest boxers including Barry McGuigan and Steve Collins. Fittingly, Martin Lindsay’s ring successes are prominently celebrated in this collection of boxing memorabilia. I could have happily spent the next hour absorbing this fascinating treasure trove that recalls many of the great Irish boxing nights and Irish pugilists.
However, I had appointment with the ‘Mac Man’, who I was looking forward to meeting for the first time. I planned to quiz him on his preparations for next Friday’s British Title defence against Welshman, Jamie Arthur, as well as any updates on his choice of new promoter and plans for the next 12-18 months. In the following interview, it is clear that Lindsay is firmed focused on the Arthur fight. Interestingly, he also confirmed that, subject to a continuation of his unbeaten record, there are great opportunities ahead – including a European Title shot and an IBF World Title Eliminator with Mexican Orlando Salido [although in the first instance the IBF could at least spell Lindsay’s name right and get his nationality right too – they currently have him listed as an Israeli national on their website]..
What are your views on your opponent Jamie Arthur? What are you expecting from Arthur next week?
He is a bit unpredictable. In saying that he is winning. From his comeback, I think he has won eight fights on the trot – so obviously when you are winning your confidence is going to be high. So the two of us are winning – so it should make for a great night’s fight and hopefully on the night I can come out as the winner.
How has the training been going?
Everything has went according to plan. Everything has went smoothly, there hasn’t been any hiccups, just bar the date getting put back. I have to relax a wee bit and then pick it up again. Everything has went well – I am just looking forward to next week.
And what type of sparring have you been getting in?
I have had plenty of different sparring partners. Some tough, some stand, some come forward, some move. I have a couple of different game plans and hopefully one of them will work on the night.
Do you know, at this stage if your next fight will be in Belfast?
Well I am only looking at the Jamie Arthur fight first. It would be stupid of me to look by that there, so once this fight is over I can plan for the future. At the minute I am just focusing on this fight next week
What are our objectives over the next 12-18 months?
Well I have already been offered a shot at the European Title and the IBF have offered me a World Title Eliminator against Orlando Salido. So there is plenty of opportunities there. So like I said I am just focused on defending my belt against Jamie Arthur on the 19th March.
The atmosphere for your last couple of fights has been absolutely fantastic, what is it like walking out to home support like that?
That’s the stuff that you dream of in boxing, when you are growing up – to be involved in big nights like that there. So hopefully I get a few more nights like that there. Hopefully I get this fight out of way and maybe come back here to Belfast, maybe the Kings Hall or Ulster Hall and have another brilliant night
What is the latest on your promotional plans – have you confirmed with anyone yet?
I have spoke to most of the top promoters, so at the minute I am just looking over things and I would say within the next week or two something will be signed.
In terms of other potential opponents down the line, what are your views on John Simpson?
The initial purse bills for Simpson so I was sort of ready to fight but whatever happened I think he had to defend his Commonwealth belt instead. John is boxing out of his skin at the minute, he is a handful for any fighter, but it is a fight that if it can be made – it can be made. If not, well at the end of the day, he has a belt and I have a people – so the two of us are probably looking towards the European Title – so we will see what happens in the future.
And finally, Paddy Hyland?
That is another that has been brought up a few times. But as I say it would only make sense if a European Title was on the line, obviously Paddy can’t fight for a British Title. It is a fight, were the two of us are unbeaten, so there would have to be an incentive to make the fight happen, to make it realistic – to appeal to the public.
Beginning with my first impressions of meeting Lindsay, and flowing from the answers of each question posited, I am greeted with an articulate, understated and assured Champion. Similar to Arthur, Lindsay is happy to do his talking in the ring and is respectful of all of the boxers that came up in our conversation. Lindsay is very likeable and, in addition to his explosive boxing talents, it is easy to understand why he has such a large army of passionate fans. If Lindsay keeps winning, perhaps he will fill the void left with Bernard Dunne’s retirement and emerge as Ireland’s next boxing star.
Tickets are priced at £35 and £80 (ringside) and are available at www.frankmaloney.com
If you are hoping to travel to Leigh for Lindsay vs Arthur and would like to be seated with Lindsay’s travelling support, contact editor@irish-boxing.com for ticketing information.