James McGivern wants to join pals’ title toasts

James McGivern has seen old pals Colm Murphy and Conor Quinn land titles this year and wants in on the marble.

The Ormeau Road man (7-0, 2KOs) gets his chance on November 18 when he meets unbeaten Scot Josh Sandford (6-0) at the Aura Leisure Complex in Letterkenny.

The BUI Celtic lightweight title is on the line and the Sheer Sports managed McGivern is keen to start making some noise.

His former St George’s team-mate Murphy landed the Celtic featherweight title last year.

In July, Murphy overcame Liam Gaynor for the Irish super featherweight crown at the Europa Hotel. Quinn, who was on the Irish squad when McGivern won 48kgs gold at the 2012 European Schoolboys Championship in Russia, has the Celtic flyweight title following his recent stoppage of Chris Liddell at the Girdwood Community Hub.

“My mates have had their go and now it’s may turn,” McGivern insisted.

“Murphs is like my wee brother and Conor Quinn has been one of my best mates in boxing since we were on trip at 11 years old. It was great to see them get their chances and do so well.

“Wee Murphs, his progression has been unbelievable. He has gone from getting doubted as an amateur in Dublin to being the Irish champion as a pro and Conor Quinn is a fantastic fighter. Conor will go on to great things.”

Pro boxing returns to Letterkenny after a 13-year absence with McGivern set to appear in the chief support bout to Joe Ward’s Irish homecoming against Prince Oko Nartey over eight rounds.

McGivern is working now with Scottish trainer Ricky Burns, a three-weight world champion who has a 45-8-1 pro card. Burns also trains Sheer stablemate Tyler Jolly, who is also set to feature in Letterkenny.

James McGivern. (Sportsfile)

The 25-year-old McGivern, also a Commonwealth Games silver, Commonwealth Youth gold and European Youth silver medallist in the amateur vest, seems well matched with Sandford.

“I feel like this is the start of it and there is a buzz now,” McGivern said. “It feels like we’re starting to build something now.”

McGivern’s first fight under the Sheer banner - he is managed by former world title challenger Jason Quigley - was in Simi Valley, where he stopped Luis Montellano in the fifth round.

He said: “That guy was as tough as old boots. I’ve had a bumpy sort of a ride so far, but you have to roll with it and it’s been no fault of our own. Jason is doing a great job and we’re a great team.

“This is a more aggressive version of me. People want to see big punches getting thrown. That’s what this game is all about.

“This could be the night that catapults me to the rest of my career.”