Cully looking to move one step closer to world title

Monte Carlo is noted for its F1 Rally and it’s a favourite spot for film stars and royalty. On Saturday night next it will host Kildare’s own piece of royalty when “The Diva”, Gary Cully puts his WBA Continental Lightweight Title on the line against Englishman, Maxi Hughes in the Monaco city in another possible step to a World Title challenge in 2025.

The fight, which will be shown on DAZN, comes five months after the Naas man defeated Belgian, Francesco Petera, in Leeds. That fight was the latest in the comeback trail by Cully after his shock defeat to Mexican, Jose Felix Jr in the 3Arena in May of 2023. “The Diva” also defeated Englishman, Reece Mould, at the same venue last November.

The loss to Felix Jr was the only blip on 28-year-old Cully’s now 18-1-0 fight record and he puts that record and his Continental Title up against the experienced Hughes, who has a 27-7-2 record on Saturday night. Hughes stopped Efstathios Antonas in Sheffield in September.

Reflecting on his victory over Francesco Patera in May, Gary Cully told the Kildare Nationalist this week:

“Patera was a two-time European Champion and was ranked No 5 in the World so I think it was a great win to be honest. He never stopped trying to win and pushed a very high pace for the whole ten rounds so it really showed my fitness and skill.” 

Preparations have gone very well for Saturday’s fight for the Kildare southpaw. 

“I was based in Naas for the whole camp but we broke up the camp with trips to Liverpool, Manchester and Waterford. I sparred some top boxers such as Olympian Dean Clancy and former World Champion Jazza Dickens. We track everything and I hit lots of PBs on my strength and conditioning so I know I am in the best shape of my career,” Cully explained.

Like every other fighter, the Naas man likes to finish his fights early but the recent 10 round contests are making him into a stronger fighter. 

“Every fighter wants to finish the fight early but the reality is that it is the fights that go the distance that stand to you the most. It teaches you about pacing and about how to maintain your technique while tired,” he told us. 

“I am currently ranked No 5 with the WBA and am hoping that a win this Saturday will push me further up the rankings and closer to a World Title shot.

Noted for his fierce work rate Gary Cully sees the current gap of five months between his fights as optimum as he moves closer to a tilt at a World Title. 

“As a fighter I want to fight as often as possible but the closer you get to world level the harder the fights get so you do need a break after each one to let your mind and body recover from the training camp,” he said.

Saturday’s opponent is well known to Cully as he explained to us. 

“I was meant to box Maxi Hughes in April 2020 so he has been on my radar since then. He went on to become British and World Champion so he is experienced at the highest level. We have studied him a lot though and have a great game plan.” 

“My goal is to become World Champion and victory on 14 December will take me one step closer. I train very hard every day and sacrifice so much in pursuit of this goal.” Cully concluded, before thanking his sponsors, Autoclass Motors, Cross' Centra, Sli Beatha Floathouse, Infinity Recovery Maynooth, DC Autos Garage, Full Circle Hemp, Begin’s Butchers, Diva Coffee Co. and Zephyr World Clothing.