Brett McGinty wants a step into title territory

Brett McGinty is keen to get the foot down – and has titles in his cross hairs.

McGinty (6-0, 1KO) fights Patrik Fiala (5-3-2, 3KOs) on Saturday night as one of the support bouts to Jason Quigley's The Return card at the National Stadium.

The 24-year-old St Johnston man's professional career has been blighted by inaction, mainly owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Owen O'Neill recently vacated the BUI Celtic super-welterweight title and it's one that could be in the offing for McGinty.

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“The Celtic title has been vacated and that is something that I would love to fight for,” the Ricky Hatton-trained McGinty said.

“Who the opponent would be, I don't know. That's the kind of direction I want to push in now and I don't want to hang around.

“Activity is everything. Now that I'm stepping up the rounds – this is a six, my next could be eight – the fights may not be thick and fast, but I do want activity.”

In November, McGinty defeated Alessandro Ruggiero 59-55 on points at the National Stadium.

Fiala, a 25-year-old Czech who drew his last outing – against Lukas Simek in Plzen - is next up for McGinty in a middleweight contest over six rounds.

The former Oakleaf BC amateur standout said: “That last fight was a proper fight with a man who didn't just want his few pounds. In that sense, it was a good one.

“My last fight, he may have been a journeyman, but he came for a fight and it was a proper dust-up. It was the kind of fight I want to be in. He was well up for it. He didn't just come to get paid. I had a right few down to watch me and support me and they enjoyed the fight.”

McGinty sustained an injury to his left hand in the fifth round of his clash with Ruggiero, but has been punching strong since January.

He said: “I haven't had any trouble in camp. Everything has been 100 per cent. I've had no trouble since the New Year and it's all good.”