Two unbeaten super-bantamweights collide for a genuine title on the Katie Taylor undercard at Croke Park. Joe McGrail, the younger brother of fellow Matchroom fighter Peter McGrail, puts his 13-0 record on the line against Northern Ireland’s Matty Boreland for the WBA Continental Gold title — the first meaningful championship opportunity for both men.
Joe McGrail is 23, from Liverpool, England, standing 5’7” with an orthodox stance. He is undefeated at 13-0 with 6 knockouts. McGrail made his professional debut on a Matchroom Boxing card in December 2021 but didn’t sign full promotional terms with Eddie Hearn until March 2024, following a first-round knockout win in the United States. He signed a new long-term deal with Matchroom in July 2026 after working through a difficult injury spell, and stopped Aaron Hayden in the fifth round in April 2026 to claim the vacant WBA Continental Gold title he now defends in Dublin. He is the younger brother of Matchroom fighter Peter McGrail.
Matty Boreland (“Bam Bam”) fights out of Coleraine, Northern Ireland, and is undefeated at 6-0 (with some records listing him at 7-0). He recently won Irish honors by dethroning Ruadhan Farrell, becoming the first fighter from Coleraine to bring home a professional boxing belt. Boreland has been vocal about wanting bigger titles and platforms, and this fight against McGrail for the WBA Continental Gold strap at Croke Park is by far the largest stage of his career to date.
| McGrail | Boreland | |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | England | Northern Ireland |
| Record | 13-0 | 6-0 |
| KO Rate | 46-47% | — |
| Stance | Orthodox | — |
Joe McGrail
| Result | Opponent | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Aaron Hayden | TKO 5 |
| Win | Lewis Morris | PTS/UD |
| Win | Ryan Walker | PTS (77-75) |
Matty Boreland
| Result | Opponent | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Ruadhan Farrell | Decision (Irish title) |
| Win | F. Valdez | Points Decision |
McGrail is the more experienced and higher-volume operator of the two, having already claimed a regional title with a clean stoppage win, and he showed against Aaron Hayden that he can break an opponent down behind a persistent jab and heavy hooks when he senses an opening. Boreland is an all-action fighter by his own description, someone who wants “fireworks” and has built his undefeated record with an aggressive, front-foot style that recently yielded the first professional boxing title brought home to Coleraine. The step up in opposition quality for both men makes this a genuine crossroads fight between two prospects who have separately been groomed for bigger nights.
For McGrail:
For Boreland:
Both fighters arrive unbeaten and hungry for a genuine championship signature win, making this one of the most competitive prospect fights on the card. McGrail’s cleaner boxing fundamentals and the fact he has already won and defended regional title reps give him a narrow edge, but Boreland’s pressure and homecoming motivation in front of an Irish crowd should make this closer than the styles on paper suggest. Expect a competitive, action-oriented fight that could go to the scorecards, with McGrail’s superior polish the difference if it goes the distance.
McGrail vs Boreland is one of four featured fights on the Taylor vs Pili card, alongside Paddy Donovan vs Tyrone McKenna and Dave Allen vs Thomas Carty, on what is shaping up to be one of the biggest nights in recent Irish boxing history.
When is Joe McGrail vs Matty Boreland? Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
What title is on the line? The WBA Continental Gold super-bantamweight title, currently held by Joe McGrail.
Are both fighters unbeaten? Yes — McGrail is 13-0 and Boreland is unbeaten in 6-7 professional fights depending on the record source.
Is Joe McGrail related to any other boxers? Yes, he is the younger brother of fellow Matchroom fighter Peter McGrail.
Where can I watch in the US? DAZN.
Why is this fight significant for Matty Boreland? It’s by far the biggest platform of his career, coming off his first professional title win for his hometown of Coleraine.
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