Sean McComb insists ‘A Fight with Pierce O’Leary Might Be Inevitable’

As the electric atmosphere of Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan 2 proved, Belfast fans continue to show up in force for all-Irish clashes. And now, the possibility of another domestic showdown is on the horizon — this time between Sean McComb and unbeaten rising star Pierce O’Leary.

While the two super-lightweights are signed to different promoters — McComb (19-2, 5 KOs) with GBM Sports and O’Leary (17-0, 9 KOs) with Queensberry Promotions — the matchup makes compelling sense, both commercially and competitively.

The bout could easily sell out Belfast’s Odyssey Arena or any major Irish venue, thanks to the contrast in styles and the growing stakes in the 140lb division. But before that potential headliner can be discussed in earnest, McComb has business to handle.

On Saturday night in Sheffield, the 33-year-old faces Ben Crocker for the vacant IBF European title. While the belt itself may lack prestige, it could grant McComb a top-15 IBF ranking — a useful bargaining chip in negotiating a bigger fight.

“We’d love to go back to Belfast, and that’s something still in talks,” McComb told Boxing News. “If I win a title here, we could potentially look at a homecoming in February or March.”

McComb says he has already asked for the O’Leary fight “numerous times,” but it has failed to materialize for reasons still unclear. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic.

“I think Pierce is capable of winning a world title, and I think I’m capable as well. Maybe somewhere along the line we can meet — whether it’s for a world title or just an all-Irish fight. I’d take that fight in the morning, and I’m sure he would too. Maybe it’s inevitable.”

McComb, known as “The Public Nuisance,” sees Belfast as a natural venue and feels a resurgence of opportunity for local talent.

“Belfast has always been a boxing city. Only now are the big promoters starting to give us proper chances. When kids see guys like Lewis Crocker and [Anthony] Cacace become world champions, it shows what’s possible.”

Still, McComb’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In 2024, he lost a controversial decision to Arnold Barboza Jr, a fight many believed he clearly won — a defeat that stalled his momentum and left him sidelined for over a year.

“It was a dark time. We appealed to the WBO, but they just dismissed it. There’s no accountability for judges,” he said. “But I stayed resilient, and now that’s starting to pay off.”

With that chapter behind him, McComb is focused on the future — and reclaiming his shot at world-level recognition.

But first, all eyes turn to Sheffield, where a win over Ben Crocker could push McComb one step closer to the showdown he — and Irish boxing fans — are calling for.