Cork native Cathal Crowley continues his charge towards a second shot at the Irish Light Heavyweight Title, with his 10th professional fight scheduled for Leopardstown on May 30th, on a JB Boxing Promotions card.
A Record on the Line
Cathal looks to move his record to 9 wins and 1 loss as he prepares for what could be the fight that sets up a rematch with Kingdom warrior Kevin Cronin for the Irish Light Heavyweight Title.
The first fight between Crowley and Cronin was a close decision, with many ringside feeling Cathal had done enough to win it. A second meeting has the makings of one of the most anticipated domestic title fights in Irish boxing.
The Opponent: Petr Strnad
Cathal’s opponent on the night is Petr Strnad, the Czech Republic light heavyweight with a 4-4 professional record. Strnad has been in with quality opposition before and brings the kind of awkward, durable test Cathal needs heading into a potential title rematch.
Training Under Paschal Collins
Cathal’s trainer for this camp, as throughout his professional career, is Paschal Collins at the Celtic Warrior Gym. The work that has gone in over the last few weeks reflects everything you would expect from a Collins camp. Sharp, disciplined, and built around peaking on fight night.
World Class Sparring
Adding to the quality of the camp, Andy Lee has been bringing Cathal in to spar with his lads to help get them ready for their own fights. The list of names Cathal has been working with reads like a who’s who of top international talent.
Sparring partners have included Ben Whittaker, the British Olympic silver medallist and unbeaten light heavyweight prospect, and Hamzah Sheeraz, the unbeaten middleweight contender ranked among the top in the world.
The level of work being put in against opposition of that calibre tells you everything about where Cathal is in his development. This is no longer a fighter rebuilding from a single defeat. This is a fighter sharpening for a title.
The Togher Native
A proud Togher man, Cathal has carried Cork on his back through every fight of his professional career. Everyone here at Cork Xtra will be right behind him on May 30th.
Unfinished Business
The fight card, promoted by JB Boxing Promotions, is fittingly titled Unfinished Business. Cathal won't be looking to leave this one in the judges' hands. Expect him to come for the finish.
When and Where
- Date: Friday, May 30th 2026
- Venue: Leopardstown, Dublin
- Opponent: Petr Strnad (4-4, Czech Republic)
- Trainer: Paschal Collins
- Card: Unfinished Business
- Promoter: JB Boxing Promotions
Stay Tuned
Cork Xtra will be following Cathal's preparation in the build-up to fight night and bringing you full coverage of the result. Stay tuned for training camp updates, interviews, and fight night coverage.
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More details
- Venue
- Leopardstown, Dublin
- Match date
- 2026-05-30