Cummings eager to bounce back

Well, that’s what you would deduce anyway from the odds on offer from Paddy Power as the Georgian steps into the ring against our local hero, Conrad Cummings, on the undercard to the sell-out spectacle in which Carl Frampton faces Scott Quigg for a unification world title.

The Dublin bookies are quoting Cummings at 100-1 on favourite, while you can get a hefty 18-1 price against his opponent, truly amazing odds!

You’d thus be forgiven for describing Nadiradze as pretty much a journeyman, given his record which that he has lost seven times in his career - all of them coming away from home, even though he has won all his fights in his native Georgia. But Cummings will not be reading too much into that and is expecting a tough contest on Saturday night.

“I’m extremely surprised at that betting but then I was the very hot favourite in my last bout and it ended up as a draw, so I certainly won’t be approaching this contest with any sort of over-confidence,” stated the Coalisland boxer.

“I reckon this guy is actually a decent fighter and a look at his record will show that he has won eighteen fights and nine of them have been won by knockouts, so he will take a bit of watching.

“I have been preparing very thoroughly for the contest, which is an incredible opportunity for me as part of the undercard on what is the biggest fight anywhere in these islands throughout this year.

“I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have been given the chance to enhance my career on this bill, and training alongside Carl has been a revelation and I think I am in the shape of my life right now.

“It promises to be a totally unforgettable week in the build-up to the big programme on Saturday and it’s terrific to get the chance to shine on the pay-per-view live television broadcast.

“I am very grateful to my management and all those involved in the organisation of the event.

“I have been encouraged by all the good wishes and I want to do well for my many supporters back home. They have been fantastic and I appreciate each and every one of them for their backing.

“I think it will be a tough eight rounds test, but I am determined to do well and I know I am going to win,” promised the confident Coalisland man.