Welshman’s bantamweight title bid headlines mouthwatering Cardiff show

By Jared Parry

SEAN McGoldrick (12-1) and Scott Allan (11-6-1) meet this Friday for the vacant British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff.

Newport’s McGoldrick returns to the scene of his last victory which saw him defeat Alexander Taylor on points over six rounds, but now steps up to challenge for the pinnacle of domestic honours.

Allan makes the long trip from Scotland to Cardiff for this opportunity and comes in off the back of his sole victory inside the distance.

McGoldrick comes from a stellar amateur background that saw him win gold for Wales at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Since turning professional in 2017, the Welshman has not been best known for his power, only stopping three of his 13 opponents, but his amateur skillset is still apparent.

McGoldrick tasted defeat for the only time as a professional in 2019 to Thomas Essomba but has bounced back, stringing three impressive victories together.

Allan has tasted defeat six times in his career, but at the highest level of the domestic scene.

The Scotsman has previously challenged for the Commonwealth title but was stopped by the man who vacated both the British and Commonwealth titles, Lee McGregor.

Allan now looks to reach the top of the domestic tree but travels to the Dragon’s den for his opportunity.

The chief support is a tremendous 50-50 clash between two unbeaten Welsh prospects for the Welsh Area lightweight title, Rashid Omar (3-0) and Conor McIntosh.

Cardiff’s Omar has yet to lose a round in his three-fight career so far and returns to the venue that has played host to all of his fights so far.

Port Talbot’s McIntosh has also never dropped a round in his five-fight career. Both men step up from four rounds to 10 rounds for the first time as they both look to pick up their first title.

Super welterweight prospect Uisma Lima (8-0) looks to keep his undefeated record intact as he returns to face Aljaz Venko (5-3-1).

Swansea super featherweight prospect Brandon Scott (3-0) looks to continue his form as he takes on Sandeep Singh Bhatti (8-6) over six rounds.

Kyran Jones (6-0) and Ben Crocker (7-0) impressed on the big stage last year with impressive performances on the Kenichi Ogawa versus Joe Cordina undercard and now look to impress in Cardiff again this Friday.

Carvell Crocker (1-0) looks to build on his impressive debut when he faces George Rogers (1-23-2).

Aston Brown (3-0) returns from a five-year hiatus and looks to hit the ground running. Finally, Mark Davies (0-0) makes his professional debut against Jordan Grannum.

Some of Wales’ brightest prospects will be on display at the Vale Sports Arena, and can all be watched live on Boxing Social on Friday night.