31 December 2008 – By Mark Doyle

Paul McCloskey is surprised – primarily because so many people seem so surprised.

On December 5, the 29-year-old light-welterweight dismantled Colin Lynes over nine rounds to claim the vacant British title. Unseen in England in two years, McCloskeys performance shocked many at ringside.

After a nervy opening, in which he suffered a minor scare in the second when he was wobbled by a fine one-two from Lynes, McCloskey, with his elusive, hands-down style, quickly took complete command of the fight, blitzing his opponent with quick-fire combinations and stinging uppercuts.

That he had produced a performance of such dazzling brilliance against an opponent as lauded as Lynes, a former European champion, was impressive, but the fact that he had taken the fight at a weeks notice following the withdrawal of former champion David Barnes made it all the more remarkable.

However, McCloskey, who had been set to appear on the undercard anyway, insists that he always fully expected to win. He had been waiting for a chance to really show what he could do for some time; he wasnt going to let it pass him by.

Im not surprised that I did that to him because Ive always known that Im capable of that kind of display, he tells irish-boxing.com.

I do it every week in the gym. I work hard and I have quality sparring so Im confident of what I can do in myself. Just getting the opportunity to show other people what I can do is nearly the harder part.

I believe I can do great things in my career but I need to be given the chances. But I think Ive climbed a fair bit up the ladder now on the back of that performance. I think it made a few people sit up and take notice, which is a very positive thing for me.

When I started off my career I was with Frank Warren and my first few fights were on British television and they were raving about me then. So, they just thought I slipped off the radar for a while. But I hadnt I was just fighting in Ireland, which I absolutely loved.

Its given my own supporters a chance to come and watch me fight. Its been brilliant. But the British fans and the Sky lads were probably thinking that because they hadnt heard from me in a while that Id been inactive. But that wasnt the case. Ive been very busy in the past year and a half on Brian Peters shows and its been great for me. He brought me to Belfast on the John Duddy-Howard Eastman card, to Limerick with Andy Lee and Letterkenny on my own show, so its been great.

Still, McCloskeys problem up until the Lynes fight had been convincing the doubters in spite of the impressive nature of his displays against fighters of the calibre of Tontcho Tontchev, Manuel Garnica and Cesar Bazan.

Still, those in the know were well aware that McCloskey was a coming fighter and that, coupled with the fact that elusive southpaws are avoided like the plague anyway, meant that the 29-year-old Dungiven native did not make for an attractive proposition for any titleholder in the 140lbs division.

However, there were those that remained unconvinced, believing that McCloskey was being wrapped in cotton wool by promoter Brian Peters and trainer John Breen. Indeed, Ring Magazine went as far as to label him the most over-protected fighter in the light-welterweight division. That stung.

Theyve said Im a protected fighter when, in reality, Im actually an avoided fighter, he argues.

Lynes took the fight against me and fair play to him for that, because many wouldnt. I suppose in a way he had to because he wanted the title regardless and maybe thought that because it was somewhat short notice for me that I might not be in the very best condition. But I was on the ball anyway, Id done ten weeks of hard training so I was more than ready for it.

Now, I probably would have done more training if Id known I was going to be in a scheduled title fight but I was in great shape all the same. John knew I was in great shape, too, and he jumped at the opportunity when it was offered to us.

He couldnt contain his excitement, to be honest, because he knew I was ready and I knew it, too. After being left on the outside for so long, I knew this was my route into the British, European and world title picture.

Indeed, McCloskey, now with a belt around his waist, has options more options that at any previous juncture in his career. Encouragingly, he is well aware that picking the right one requires serious thought.

Considering what Im after doing, Ive opened a lot of doors and thats a great position to now be in, he explained.

Ill probably sit down with Brian and John in the early part of the New Year and decide what were doing.

Id say theres a very good chance that Ill probably defend the title. And if I do defend I want to do it at home.

We might even go after the European title straight away but I suppose the sensible thing to do would be to make a mandatory title defence, probably early in 2009.

And, as he alluded to, his dream is for his first outing as the new British light-welterweight champion to be as close to his native Dungiven as possible.

The chances of staging a title fight in such a small town would be very limited, he concedes. “But maybe Derry or even Letterkenny again.

Belfast is an option, too, because I train up here and could get a good crowd. But whatever Brian comes up with Ill go along with. Well have a good chat about it anyway and Im sure well come up with something good.

And the question of exactly who he would like to fight next brings a predictably bullish response from the undefeated McCloskey.

Ill really fight anybody, to be honest, he declares. I feel I can go as far as world title level so it makes no odds to me who they put in front of me.

Ive never turned a fight down in my life. If Id been offered Ricky Hatton on December 5, Id have fought him! Thats just how I feel at the moment.

I feel like Im on the way up. Im young and Im hungry. I just want to keep fighting and keep winning. I didnt get here by fluke. Ive worked hard my whole life for this and Im not about to let up now that Ive got a British title.

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31 December 2008 – Press Release

Big Time – Bernard Dunne’s fight for Glory is the acclaimed documentary which goes behind the scenes and features Dunne and his promoter, Brian Peters, as they travel the road to European title glory and it is now available to watch online from the RT website – http://www.rte.ie/sport/other/2008/1230/dunneb_av.html

The documentary covers Dunnes return home to Ireland following a three-year apprenticeship in the U.S. under boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

The Dubliner quickly became a household name in Ireland, reeling off a string of impressive victories before challenging for the European title at a sold-out Point Theatre in his native city. On an emotion-charged night, Dunne become champion of Europe with a career-best performance, and two successful defences followed.

However, Dunnes world fell apart at the hands of Kiko La Sensacin Martinez, with the Spanish wrecking ball ripping Dunnes title away in just 86 seconds.

Since then, though, Dunne has picked up the pieces and rebuilt his career with three straight wins as he moves toward the ultimate prize a world title fight in 2009.

Big Time tells that story with incredible highs, wounding lows and fearless ambition, all set against the tough and at times cruel backdrop of professional boxing.

Big Time: Bernard Dunne’s Fight for Glory is produced for RT by Liberty Films with funding support from Sound & Vision, a Broadcasting Commission of Ireland initiative.

For more information see: http://www.rte.ie/tv/christmas/bernarddunne.html

Wishing you and yours all the best for 2009!

Brian Peters Promotions

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23 December 2008 – By Jonny Stapleton

Boxing promoter Tommy Egan believes he has agreed a deal that will solve a huge Irish boxing problem, thus revolutionising the sport in this country.

For decades many fighters from The Emerald Isle have been faced with a dilemma when entering the paid ranks. They ponder whether or not to sign professional terms in the USA, in turn uprooting and taking all the boxing opportunities America can offer at the expense of massive exposure back home.

An abundance of Ireland’s finest pugilists have forged successful careers in America, training away from home, and fighting successfully in front of packed stadiums and millions of American TV viewers unbeknownst to the general Irish public.

The likes of Sean Mannion, Steve Collins, Wayne McCullough, James Moore, John Duddy, Andy Lee, Henry Coyle and Bernard Dunne were all well known in America before returning as stars to their home country. Indeed, none of their battles across the Atlantic were available for viewing for Irish fight fan, leaving the internet and print as the only ways to keep track of their progress.

Egan, however, reveals he that he has signed a deal that will change the game in Ireland forever, allowing young Irish talent progress their careers in America under the watchful eye of the Irish public, whilst training and living in Ireland.

The Irish promoter has joined forces with Artie Pelullo and Banner Promotions, signing a unique deal that will enable him to negotiate with Irish television networks on behalf of the American-based boxing promotion company for shows with Irish fighters on the card.

Egan also states he has authorisation to sign boxers to Banner Promotions under his management and believes the deal will change the whole landscape of Irish boxing.

“I really think this is the future of Irish boxing,” Egan enthused. “I think we can offer the best opportunity available to Irish fighters and give them a chance to fight in the big league.

“Young Irish fighters had previously begun careers in the USA and no one really knew of them back home. They were packing out stadiums but were not too well known here, and even if they were in the public eye you couldn’t see their fights. This deal can solve that dilemma they can have a career in the USA but can live and train in Ireland.

“They can also still have their fights aired in Ireland and keep up a profile back home. If they fulfill their potential and perform well they will get world title shots.

“Banner Promotions are well respected, as is Art Pelullo: he is amongst the top three promoters in the World. These fights will also be broadcast across America so they get exposure both sides of the Atlantic. Every fight night will have top-class bouts with either contenders or world title fighters topping the bill, but will also have Irish fighters on the undercard.

“They will be quality fights, the American networks don’t settle for anything less, so in that regard it’s good for the Irish boxing fans too,” he added.

The first to benefit from this new deal will be Mayo’s Michael Sweeney. The hard-hitting light-heavyweight will fight on Valentine’s Day in, fittingly enough, Paris, ‘The City of Love’, on the undercard of the Cristobal Cruz-Cyrill Thomas IBF world title fight. That exciting fight night will be aired on France’s Canal+, as well as across America, and, if all goes to plan, will be aired on Irish television, too.

Egan believes the undefeated Sweeney, who has been compared to Steve Collins, has the potential to go all the way and could get a world title fight within two years. He also states he will be the first of many to benefit from the “unique” deal.

Sweeney’s career will be American-based but he will train in Belfast under the guidance of world-class trainer John Breen and Eamon McGee, both of whom have proven track records in the boxing game.

Breen has helped Martin Rogan and Paul McCloskey achieve sensational recent success, while McGee was a former WBU welterweight title holder and was the first man ever to introduce Ricky Hatton to the canvas during a world title fight in front of a 20,000 MEN Arena Manchester crowd on June 1, 2002.

Michael has already signed with Art and the Banner Promotions,” Egan revealed. “They are really impressed with him and will believe he is Ireland’s next boxing superstar.

“He is working with top-class trainers in John Breen and Eamon McGee and he is a very exciting prospect. He will probably fight once a month for a while to improve his record and he could get a title shot within a couple of years.

“It’s a great opportunity for a fighter that couldn’t really get fights here and one that many others will eventually avail of. I think this is the future of Irish boxing and could revolutionise the sport here,” he argued, before claiming this unique deal will help young talent struggling to burst onto what he believes is a stagnant Irish scene.

“The recession might prevent some people taking Irish boxing live, which is unfortunate, but this provides a great alternative.

“Also it will help young good Irish fighters progress. At present some have to promise to sell a certain amount of tickets to get onto a show. Hence some are struggling to get fights and those that do are stressing over selling tickets coming up to the bouts which is never too good. There will be no ticket worries for my fighters, they will do what they what they are paid to do – fight,” he concluded.

For more information don’t hesitate to contact Tommy Egan on 0868148296-or email tommyegan@eircom.net.

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29 December 2008 – By Cormac Campbell

Ring Amateur Boxing Club, Derry has recently launched a new club website featuring, “news from our own club such as up and coming events, boxer profiles, video footage from fights including boxing development and coaching links.”

The site, available at http://www.ringabc.net/ sets the bar for other clubs looking to further their appeal in the community.

Ring have long been a breeding ground for champions with Charlie Nash and John Duddy among the stars who have trained there.

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29 December 2008 – Press Release

Bernard Dunne will hit Irish TV screens again over Christmas when RT TWO broadcast ‘Big Time’ at 9:30pm on Tuesday, December 30th.

The documentary goes behind the scenes and features Dunne and his promoter Brian Peters as they travel the road to European title glory. The documentary covers Dunnes return home to Ireland following a three-year apprenticeship in the US under boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

The Dubliner quickly became a household name in Ireland reeling off a string of impressive victories before challenging for the European title at a sold out Point Theatre in his native city. An emotion charged night saw Dunne become champion of Europe with a career best performance and two successful defences followed.

However Dunnes world fell apart at the hands of Kiko La Sensacin Martinez with the Spanish wrecking ball ripping Dunnes title away in just 86 seconds.

Since then Dunne has picked up the pieces and rebuilt his career with three straight wins as he build toward the ultimate prize a world title fight in 2009.

Big Time tells that story with incredible highs, wounding lows and fearless ambition, all set against the tough and at times cruel backdrop of professional boxing.

Big Time: Bernard Dunne’s Fight for Glory is produced for RT by Liberty Films with funding support from Sound & Vision, a Broadcasting Commission of Ireland initiative.

For more information see: http://www.rte.ie/tv/christmas/bernarddunne.html.

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24 December 2008 – By Cormac Campbell

The January edition of the irish-boxing.com radio show is now online. Return to the homepage and click the link at the bottom of the page to listen to interviews with:.

Andy Lee, Rendall Munroe, Paulie Hyland, Oisin Fagan, Jim Rock and Darren Sutherland.

Below is a taster of some of the interviews.

Andy Lee

Limericks Andy Lee is hoping to secure a European title fight at Thomond Park in his home city next summer.

Detroit based Lee will be hoping to put a nightmare 12 months behind him and once again establish his credentials as the future of the world middleweight division.

Speaking to irish-boxing.com, Lee said that he has been eying up Munster rugbys HQ for a major title fight.

Im home now for a little R and R so its nice to be home for Christmas, he said.

The whole year has been a write off really, between losing and having surgery on my eye so I couldnt do all I wanted. But the two fights in Ireland were the two highlights of my career and not just the year.

Lee is expected to be back in action as early as February in the States and is hopeful a return to his native land can be secured by the mid-year point.

Im not sure about the early part of the year but definitely in the summer. Thomond Park in Limerick is a big new venue and Id love a title fight there. Maybe if we could get a European title fight or something we could have it there.

Darren Sutherland

Olympic bronze medallist and unbeaten professional Darren Sutherland will be back in action on March 6 in Manchester.

The Dubliner opened his professional account with a KO1 victory over Georgi Iliev at DCU on December 18, and after putting his feet up over Christmas will get down to the nitty gritty again early in the New Year.

Im taking my parents on holiday for a week as a treat at the start of the New Year. Im really looking forward to Christmas because I havent had a holiday in years, he said after his debut victory.

But Ill be back over to England on January 10 to start training again. I have just over eight weeks to get ready for the next fight on March 6 which is in Manchester.

Were guaranteed at least two fights a year in Ireland, so sometime at the backend of next year well be back.

Oisin Fagan

Oisin Fagan believes he can prove the doctors wrong by returning to the ring from a broken leg earlier than predicted.

Fagan underwent surgery on his shin after breaking his fibula in a clash with Amir Khan in London on December 6. Despite the injury occurring in the first round, Fagan fought on before succumbing to the lightening fast Bolton ace in round two.

Speaking to irish-boxing radio, Fagan said that he had never had an injury like it before.

For 30 years I played football and I never had an injury like this, he admitted.

Then two minutes in to a Sky PPV top of the bill and crack.

Dealing with the layoff will be difficult. Win, lose or draw the Dubliner had options which now must be reassessed.

Im very disappointed. This is the worst thing that has happened to me in my career. It is ridiculous Im disgusted. But what can you do about it? I can joke about it, but Im very down.

Despite a depressing diagnosis, Fagan believes he will return early and maintain his fitness during the layoff.

It was pretty serious. It was going up the fibula. They said the cast will be three months on and then they dont expect me in the ring until this time next year but Im going to prove them wrong. Ive already got myself a little swivel chair out the back with some wheels on and I can get up a pretty good sweat.

Im going to maintain my weight and maybe come back as a super-feather.

Rendall Munroe

European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe says he has no qualms about facing Irelands former champion Bernard Dunne.

A fight between the duo has been on the tip of fight fans tongues for months with a war of words erupting between promoters Brian Peters and Frank Maloney.

Munroe won the crown by out boxing Kiko Martinez, the man who KOed Dunne in just one round in August 2007.

Despite apparent difficulties in getting the fight off the ground, Munroe told a press conference in Dublin that he respects, but does not fear the Irishman.

Hes a good boxer but do I look like the type of person who would have a problem fighting him? he beamed.

There is no good getting in the ring and saying I might win. Boxing is about believing in yourself. It is a game of 75 per cent belief and 25 per cent hard work.

I want to be known as someone who fought everybody. I dont want people to say Rendall was good but he dodged this one or that one. If they say Ive got to fight someone in Thailand, Ill go out there and fight. Im going back to work on Tuesday, and Ill be back in the gym on Wednesday and if they say Im fighting next week Ill say, lets fight.

Every step of the ladder is a step closer to a world title.

To listen to these interviews in full click the January radio icon at the bottom of the homepage. As always, feedback is welcome so send your comments and suggestions to editor@irish-boxing.com.

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23 December 2008 – By Cormac Campbell

The January edition of the irish-boxing.com radio show is now online. Return to the homepage and click the link at the bottom of the page to listen to interviews with:.

Andy Lee, Rendall Munroe, Paulie Hyland, Oisin Fagan, Jim Rock and Darren Sutherland.

As always, feedback is welcome so send your comments and suggestions to editor@irish-boxing.com.

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19 December 2008 – By Cormac Campbell

Irish boxing’s captain fantastic Ken Egan has put to bed months of speculation on his future by announcing that his long term future remains within the amateur code.

The Olympic bronze medalist had been the subject of a long term courting process from both Golden Boy and Banner Promotions, but in the end the Neilstown man thrashed out a new deal with the IABA. The news is all the more poignant, given the fact that Egan’s former team-mate, and fellow medal winner Darren Sutherland made his professional debut just 12 hours prior.

At the heart of Egan’s decision is the belief that his slick style is more suitable for the technicalities of the amateur scoring system than the more robust approach favoured in the professional arena. Egan will now look ahead to the defence of his National title early in the New Year. But with the likes of Tommy McCarthy and Darren O’Neill expected to be snapping at his heals, much work will have to be done.

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19 December 2008 – By Mark Doyle

Olympic hero Darren Sutherland made an impressive start to his professional career, claiming a first-round stoppage win over Georgi Iliev in Dublin on Thursday night.

The 26-year-old Irish super-middleweight, who won a bronze medal in Beijing this summer, needed just two minutes and 44 seconds to dispose of his outclassed Bulgarian opponent.

Iliev had claimed a shock knockout victory on his last visit to Ireland, stopping Keith Cresham inside one round in Limerick in July, but a repeat performance was never on the cards this time around.

Indeed, Sutherland, boxing at Dublin City University, where he spent four years as a student, was determined to put on a thrilling in front of a partisan home crowd and he delivered in spectacular fashion.

He pounded Iliev with jabs right from the off, before really letting loose right big right hands to body and face.

Iliev’s face quickly became a bloody mess and he looked ready to go numerous times during the round. Indeed, Iliev had a forlorn look towards his corner midway through the round after feeling the full force of Sutherland’s power for the first time. Dubliner Sutherland was content to take his time, though, and, as he later admitted, briefly toyed with the idea of allowing Iliev to continue just to get another round in the paid ranks under his belt.

However, he piled on the pressure in the closing seconds and Iliev seemed very relieved when the referee finally called a halt to the most one-sided of contests in the dying seconds of the opening stanza.

The January edition of irish-boxing radio will have full coverage of the aftermath of Sutherland v Iliev, as Darren discussed future plans.

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19 December 2008 – By Cormac Campbell

Despite the fight being on the wish-list of every fight fan in Ireland, James Moore v Henry Coyle is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Following Wicklowman Moore’s defeat at the fast hands of Yuri Foreman last week, many believed a vacant Irish light middleweight title fight with Mayo’s Coyle would be a natural step. Interest in promoting the contest was also expressed by Promoters Brian Peters and Tommy Egan, as well as the Moore camp. But it seems Team Coyle have their sights set on other objectives.

Speaking to irish-boxing.com Henry’s father Gerry said that his Chigago based son would not be altering his 2009 schedule to suit former amateur rival Moore.

“We wish James all the best,” he said over the phone.

“He took a very tough fight and unfortunately it didn’t work out, but he gave it his best shot. But Henry has lots of fish to fry and you can’t cancel your plans just because something else comes up. Henry will be back in action in January in Chigago.”

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