30 January 2009 – By Cormac Cambell

The February edition of the Irish Boxing Radio Show is now online and available from our homepage.

This month we bring you exclusives with Martin Rogan, Kenny Egan, Paddy Barnes, Wayne McCullough, Stephen Haughian, Martin Lindsay, Paulie Hyland, Andy Murray, Kevin O’Hara and rising amateur heavyweight Declan Trainor.

Due to the high number of interviews this month, the show has been split in to three parts. The show itself and two uncut, full length interviews with Egan and McCullough.

To listen simply click on the appropriate icon at the bottom of the homepage and enjoy.

Next month we will bring you all the build up to Bernard Dunne’s World title fight with Ricardo Cordoba at the O2 and Paul McCloskey’s next outing.

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25 January 2009 – By Cormac Cambell

The cream of Irish boxing talent was in Newry Arts Centre on Saturday night for the inaugural irish-boxing.com National Boxing Awards.

British light-welterweight Paul McCloskey lifted the Boxer of the Year award after fighting off the challenge of gym-mate Martin Rogan and British super-middleweight kingpin Brian Magee.

Belfast featherweight Martin Lindsay, who will fight Paul Appleby for the British title at the Ulster Hall in April lifted the Prospect of the year award. Also nominated were Andrew Murray, Stephen Haughian and Paulie Hyland.

There was a special award for Ireland’s Olympic boxing heroes Darren Sutherland, Ken Egan and Paddy Barnes, with Barnes and Egan on hand to recount their Beijing successes. A special award will be made to Sutherland in the coming days.

Finally former World flyweight champion Rinty Monaghan was inducted in to the Irish-boxing Hall of Fame.

Representatives from boxing clubs in Counties Down, Armagh and Louth were in attendance at the event, which also saw the official launch of the Irish Boxing Supporters Club.

In the coming weeks a series of interviews and features from the awards will be available to watch, listen to and read on irish-boxing.com.

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29 January 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Bernard Dunne will fight Ricardo Cordoba for the WBA super-bantamweight title in Dublin on March 21.

Dunne had been repeatedly linked with a bout with European champion Rendall Munroe but their respective promoters, Brian Peters and Frank Maloney, failed to agree terms.

It has now transpired that those failed negotiations were a blessing in disguise as Dunne has now secured a shot at Cordoba, who became the WBA’s interim champion following his points win over Luis Alberto Perez last September before the Panamanian was installed as full champion two months later when former titleholder Cabellero claimed the IBF belt in a unification fight.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted since I first put on a pair of boxing gloves,” Dunne enthused.

“It’s every boxer’s dream to be a world champion and I’m no different. This is what I’ve worked my whole life for and now that the chance is here I want to grab it with both hands.”

Despite having home advantage, Dunne knows that he will have his work cut out in dethroning Cordoba, who has just one defeat on his 37-fight professional record and holds a victory over Celestino Caballero.

“He’s a class fighter. He’s still only 24 but he has a lot of experience and he’s been competing at the top level for so long now – you have to respect that,” the Irishman admitted.

However, Dunne is still of the opinion that fighting in front of his home fans will inspire him to victory.

“It’s a huge coup to get the fight here. Every boxer wants to fight for a world title but to have it in your home town is very special,” he confessed.

“It’s going to be an incredible experience and I know I’ll thrive on that atmosphere.

“Cordoba’s fought all around the world but he won’t ever have experienced anything like the atmosphere in the O2. It’s a fantastic venue and March 21 can’t come soon enough.”

Indeed, such is his enthusiasm for this career-defining bout, Dunne began training as soon as the contracts were signed on Christmas Eve.

Im flying already, Im way ahead of where I would normally be this far out before a fight, he revealed.

Ive been working very hard with my strength and conditioning coach, Mike McGurn and Im also working with some new nutritionists and Ive noticed a real difference in that area.

Im always looking to add extra little components to the team and Im already feeling the benefits on the nutritional side.

This is the most important fight of my career so I want to make sure that no stone is left unturned in my preparations.

Details on the undercard of the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night will be announced next week, with promoter Brian Peters promising some interesting developments in that regard.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night are priced from 50 and are available now from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

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28 January 2009 – By Padraig Hoare

Boxing has thrived in small halls in Britain for decades through fabled blood-and-thunder domestic rivalries – Phil Sutcliffe and Don OLeary see no reason why Ireland should not be the same.

The two men have put together a superb card on Friday night at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin. It will be a blend of the best of Irelands up-and-coming talent, established fighters and superstars in the making – it starts here for the Class of 2009.

The bill features undefeated cruiserweight Ian Tims headlining, one of the countrys most outstanding talents Patrick Hyland, the fearsome Cuban sensation Luis Garcia and, most intriguingly, two undefeated Irish prospects going head-to-head, in Sutcliffe-trained Anthony Fitzgerald (1-0) and Paddy Hyland-trained Robbie Long (2-0, 1 KO). It is not the first time their respective clubs have faced each other – Crumlins Paul Griffin and Tallaghts Patrick Hyland competed for the Irish featherweight title last April, with Hyland stopping the former Olympian in three rounds.

Throw dazzling lightweight Stephen Ormond and fearless light-heavyweight John Waldron into the mix, and you have a very tasty card indeed in the Citywest.

Speaking to irish-boxing.com, Don OLeary said DolPhil Promotions would strive to provide the public with value-for-money contests between Irish fighters, and the chance to see potential superstars in action before they hit the big time.

I personally think Anthony Fitzgerald and Robbie Long will be a cracker that could steal the show,” he mused.

“We have seen small hall classics down through the years in Britain – Michael Brodie and Neil Swain is one that springs to mind. Spencer Oliver and Patrick Mullings were involved in a war when they were just starting out. Why shouldnt the Irish public have the same?

We saw Colin Moffett and Eugene Heagney battle as if their lives depended on it in December 2007. The scrap between Eddie Hyland and Kevin OHara at the National Stadium last April reignited the desire to see Irish lads face each other. It brings out the best in them – Eddie and Kevins fight had to be seen to be believed, thats how much desire there was from each fighter.

Granted, we cant match everyone of our lads against other Irish opponents every time, but the match between Fitzgerald and Long is a statement of intent. Two boxing clubs with magnificent history, pitting their best prospects against each other. As a fan, I think it doesnt get much better than that.

Ormond was the talk of the domestic scene following his debut in Killarney last October. The three-time National Senior champion drew the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of the crowd as he dismantled his opponent over four rounds at light-welterweight. Ormond fights another four-rounder for his second contest on Friday night at his natural lightweight. According to Don OLeary, it wont be long before he is ready to take on another decorated amateur.

Stephen has his target set on lightweight Andy Murray,” he reveals. “There is no bravado or trash-talking nonsense, but Stephen wants to be pitted against the very best – he sees Murray as someone he has to beat.

“I am convinced we have a special talent on our hands. It would be a cast-iron fight of the year if they were in the ring together. Murray is excellent, but Stephen is exceptional.

Mayos Waldron had a baptism of fire in his debut contest, losing over four rounds to the wiliest of veterans, Ciaran Healy. Despite the loss, Don is has no doubt that the light-heavyweight is a fine prospect.

In retrospect, it was a big ask to put John in with Ciaran Healy on his debut, but we still felt John won the fight in Killarney,” he insisted.

“Healy has been in with Jamie Moore and has beaten Lee Murtagh, but John wanted the fight. Bernard Hopkins lost his first fight and almost packed in the game – John wanted to get straight back in the ring. Thats the kind of attitude that Phil Sutcliffe and myself want to see.

An added attraction to the bill is Cuban assassin Luis Garcia. The fearsome super-middleweight is one of the hottest properties in the world of boxing currently, and manager Gary Hyde is convinced he will bulldoze all competitors in 2009, forcing the world sanctioning bodies to rank him before the year is out.

The former World Junior champion is coming off a 105-second demolition of fringe world contender Mantas Tarvydas in only his second fight and Don OLeary is convinced that the hype is justified.

This kid is a phenomenon,” he enthused. “Footwork, balance, hand speed, movement, and a bone-cjilling punch in each hand. He has the lot.

“If the Citywest card wasnt good enough, we have this fella added as a special attraction. If I were a fan, I would want to see El Toro in action before he is fast tracked to the world stage.

The Big Bang Willie Casey misses out this time due to a bereavement but fans wont have to wait long to see the ferocious featherweight, says Don.

Willie has suffered a terrible loss and we understand completely that he has to be with his family,” he explained.

“But DolPhil Promotions intend to put on at least four shows per year involving the best of Irish boxing, so fighters and fans will not miss out. They will get the chance.

“We are wholeheartedly committed and are not in it for the money. This is for Ireland and the magnificent tradition of boxing in our country.

DolPhil Promotions understands that their average fan cannot afford to be shelling out big money in times of recession, adds Don.

We have priced the show at 80, 50 and 20. The 20 tickets are available to all children under 16 and for students who have a valid ID. Now, tell me where else that kind of value can be provided for a show with six fights involving future world champions, domestic champions and interclub rivalries?

Tickets for the CityWest show this Friday night are available from Citywest Hotel on +353 1 401 0500 or contact DolPhil through www.dolphil.com. Alternatively contact Phil Sutcliffe on 087 9719193 or Dave OBrien on 087 9121785.

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26 January 2009 – By Kevin Byrne

2008 really should have been Roy Sheahans year.

Instead, after a vicious injury to his hand, he became something of a forgotten man in Irish amateur boxing.

But now the St Michaels, Athy boxer is back – and set for one of the biggest months of his life.

On February 6 he opens his campaign for a fourth Irish Senior title in a row at welterweight, an incredible feat considering the strength of the sport in the country at the minute. But more importantly, he is expecting the birth of his second child around the same time. Its a due date that is either apt or unsuitable, depending on ones viewpoint.

But he doesnt care. Its all part of a new start for him after a 2008 season he would rather consign to history. Beginning the year as reigning European Union champion, along with Kenny Egan and Darren Sutherland, it was expected to be a big year for Irelands top threesome.

With Paddy Barnes already qualified for the Beijing Olympics in August, the three men; team captain Egan and Sutherland in their 26th years and the Kildare man an experienced 23, were all set to lead from the front in China – providing they qualified first.

With two opportunities left, Sheahan felt he was good enough. He needed to make the last four in one of two tournaments; Pescara, Italy in late February, or failing that Athens in April. Approachin his peak, Sheahan knew he had the ability to more than match the best eight fighters Europe could offer.

Prior to his opening bout, Sheahan was having a ball, on top of the world.

It was the very last spar, in the tenth round and I was only sparring with my left hand because my right elbow was sore, he said.

I was sparring against the 64Kg lad that Johnny (Joyce) beat in the qualifiers in Athens (Lithuanian Egidijus Kavaliauskas). I was told to get out of there after five rounds but I wanted to stay in there because I was enjoying myself, really mixing it with him. I was getting the better of him with my one hand and really enjoying my last spar. I was peaking at that time, I was flying over there, I never felt as good in my life.

And he came at me, Id say it was about the last 20 seconds of the round. He used to come at me with a double-jab, and I could see it every time. And I turned on him with a left hook, and I hit him straight on the top of the head and me bone just popped up. Now Id never broken a bone before, but I knew there was something seriously wrong.

Indeed there was. What he didnt know at the time was that his year was already over. There would be no more qualifiers, no Olympic Games to attend. In fact he would watch his Athy team-mate John Joe Joyce take on the world from the comfort of his living room, shadow boxing and shouting at the television at his sparring partner from St Michaels. The second metacarpal in his left hand was busted and a bar was inserted into his hand to aid the healing process, which subsequently got infected.

Just as another Irish kid came from nowhere to qualify, in the shape of Mullingar teenager John Joe Nevin, a forlorn figure went home early. Sheahan recalled: Trying to go asleep that night and knowing Id have to go home the next morning, it was a crappy feeling. Gary Keegan (former High Performance Director) took me up these winding hills to the hospital and I knew he felt so sorry for me, I could see it in the expression on his face. He put his arms around me, really he didnt know what to say to me, maybe keep the head up and well get the next qualifiers.

We were getting it ready for recovery in five or six weeks but really that was pushing it too much. But when they put that bar in it was sore for weeks and weeks. Maybe if they just put a plaster of Paris on it But I dont know, Im not a doctor.

With around six weeks to go until the qualifiers in Athens, he did all he could to get right. He had the bar taken out three weeks early, he trained alongside his team-mates with his left arm strapped to his body, he kept his conditioning topped up to tournament standard. A box-off was scheduled for Friday April 2 against Donegal fighter Willie McLoughlin, who he had beaten in the semi-final of the Seniors. The winner would board the jet to Greece.

Prepared to compete with just his right if it meant he could somehow make the Olympics, a one-handed Sheahan took to sparring in preparation. But it was just too soon, and with an infection to contend with, even self-defence with the left became an exercise in agony. McLoughlin made the trip to Athens.

And so it was. From then on the amateur boxing team was to go on a whirlwind journey that ended with three Irishmen on the podium in Asia. Sheahan watched on from Ireland, a world away in reality, as two of his fellow EU champions Egan and Sutherland took the kudos for their silver and bronze medal performances respectively. And with Joyce flying the flag for his club in Athy, the injured star was put firmly in the shade.

For a time Sheahans thoughts did turn to regret. But he also drew inspiration from what he saw. A man he had faced numerous times in sparring took 69Kg gold and, after all, his mates had done the High Performance set-up proud.

I was glad to see all the lads going over and doing so well, the five of them that fought got beaten by gold medalists, he said. But I wouldve loved to have been there, I trained all my life for it. It was just a bad year last year, it wasnt meant to be. The next four years will mean to be, if you get me. I just have to look forward to something now, like getting to the next Olympics. And when I get there, go and win a medal like the boys. That was their aim, and they got it, and so can I.

Nine fellas in Europe qualified in my weight and I wouldve been up there in the nine. I cant say anything for definite, but I missed two qualifiers. In each of those, four from my weight got in. And I know I had a great chance. Even the Korean (Kim Jung-Joo) there who won a bronze in the Olympics – I beat him in the World Championships only a few months before. The Kazakhstan (Bakhyt Sarsekbaynev) won the welterweight gold at the Olympics. I sparred him, few times. Hes not bad but I didnt think hed win the gold medal.

So, as he watched the returning heroes get back to Ireland, which went boxing-mad for about a week, Sheahan resolved to get back to the gym. Novembers European Championships in Liverpool were looming on the horizon and he hoped to lead an inexperienced squad to Merseyside after Egan took a rest and Sutherland took up a pro career under the guidance of Frank Maloney.

Then, the unthinkable happened. The same hand. The same bone. The same bloody way, a left hook to the head – this time sparring with Johnny Joyce. Having been out for the best part of a year already after his complications, this fracture nearly finished him.

He grimaced: I was getting back into it. I was 60 or 70 per cent there, I wasnt really banging with my left hand. But I thought I was ok. Same thing again, caught Johnny on the left side of the head aargh! It broke. That one hurt 10 times worse than the first one.

At that moment I didnt know what to do. I wondered was it ever going to be right, is this me finished with boxing? You break your hand, do it again People were saying to me outside the ring, people outside of boxing were saying that it might never be right again. Billy (Walsh, Irish coach) and Gary told me I just had to rest it now. Even Kenny, he broke his hand as well and was out for 16 weeks or something like that. And they all told me I just had to rest from then.

That nearly ended his love affair with the sport. Competing – and winning national titles – since the age of 11, the fight game was all he knew. But the thought of a real job crossed his mind, especially as an out-of-action boxer will probably find it tough to get his Irish Sports Council grant renewed without regaining full fitness. An out-of-action boxer whose girlfriend is expecting next month.

Im not a lad for crying. But I didnt know what to do with myself, back in a cast again. I thought of other things. Will I have to get a job, because I have another child on the way now? My girlfriends due now when the Seniors start so hopefully I win a belt for him or her. So of course you think about doing other things.

But he stayed the course, completed the rest he was urged to take by those who knew. Confident he has reached full fitness, the mind now focuses on the National Stadium on February 6. One possible opponent has a famous name and is entering his first Senior Championship – Shane McGuigan, son of Barry.

The 19-year-old has just captured the national Under-21 title under the guidance of his father, albeit at light-middleweight. But his presence attracted attention across the country as sub editors gleefully wheeled out their In the Name of the Father headlines.

Sheahan appreciates the challenge. But having won the last three finals and then missing out on the best ever year in Irish boxing, he is not about to let some kid take his place.

Hes ready yeah. Hes talking anyway. I like Barry, Ive talked to him a few times. Im a big fan, I think nearly everyone from Ireland is. He probably will have a strategy alright but Ill have my own too. I was reading an article on him in the paper there a few weeks ago. He hasnt got many international fights, you know. But hes tough, hes a pro sort of a fighter. Hes strong, but I cant underestimate anyone. Hes only one lad in the weight, theres plenty more so Ill take them one by one.

I just need a few fights, you know – its terrible! But thats what its all about! The hand feels great now, he smiles. It feels great being able to hit with it again. I can hit full force with it, just get the first few shots out of the way. His opponents would be best advised to avoid those very shots next month.

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25 January 2009 – By Cormac Cambell

Rendall Munroe and Kiko Martinez will clash for a second time for the European super-bantamweight title on February 27. However, it appears the contest will be of little consequence to former champion Bernard Dunne, who is set to make a major announcement on Thursday at the newly rebuilt O2.

Towards the end of 2008 it looked as if Dunne was closing in on a fight with Munroe but, after a very public spat between their promoters, Brian Peters and Frank Maloney, over the venue and purse, the bout failed to come to fruition.

Munroe, however, has moved on and will face Martinez for the second time in Barnsley with his eyes on securing a World Title fight.

Tickets for the show priced 35 and 75 are available from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com

It now remains to be seen what is next for Dunne but, given the hype surrounding Thursday’s press conference, the Dubliner looks set for a potentially career-defining fight on March 21.

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27 January 2009 – Press Release

Dominic O’Rourke, the President of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, is confidently predicting that the 2009 Elite Irish Senior Championships will be one of the most exciting tournaments seen at the National Stadium in Dublin in decades.

Olympics medalists, World champions, European medalists, European Union champions and a raft of Irish, Provincial and Multi Nation champions will be vying for glory at next months eagerly anticipated event.

Speaking at today’s Press Conference at the National Stadium, O’Rourke said that the 2009 Championships would be the start of a new and exciting four year cycle in Irish amateur boxing.

He said: “There will be stiff competition in every weight division at the Elite Senior Championships. The talent is emerging up through the system all the time and our younger boxers want to contribute to our continuing success.

“Looking at some of the names that have already entered this years tournament I would have no hesitation in predicting that Irish amateur boxing fans will not be disappointed with the talent on show across a wide variety of weigh divisions next month.

“Each weight division will be highly competitive and the current champions know that they cannot afford to be complacent as our younger boxers are hungry for honours and they will be eager to cause upsets.

“The Elite Irish Senior Championships will mark the beginning of a new four year cycle for us. Last year was a year of unprecedented success for the IABA and we are now on the threshold of what will be another exciting four year period for Irish amateur boxing.”

The 2009 Elite Irish Championships begin on February 6th and will be run over three weekends culminating in finals night on February 20th.

The weigh-in and draw for the Championships will be held at the National Stadium on February 6th. The weigh-in will be held between 8am and 11am with the draw to follow.

The 2009 Championships will be contested under the new AIBA rules governing the duration of senior bouts for male boxers. As of January 1st 2009 men’s senior bouts have been contested over three, three minute rounds, a change from the old format of four, two minute rounds.

The IABA will announce their squad for the two senior internationals versus the USA after the 2009 Championships. Ireland will meet the USA at the National Stadium on February 27th and at the Arch Centre in Athy on March 1st.

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27 January 2009 – Press Release

2008 US Olympic first alternate Danny O’Connor heads north of the border to fight pro-debuting Greg Jimenez off-television on this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights show, headlined by the IBF light welterweight title fight between Herman Ngoudjo and Juan Urango, at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

In his last fight, 23-year-old Irish-American O’Connor (2-0, 2 KOs) pitched a shutout last November against 16-fight veteran Anthony Woods, winning all four rounds on each of the three judge’s scorecards (40-35, 40-36, 40-36), at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

“I’m happy to be making a trip to Canada,” O’Connor said. “I can’t wait to fight. I’ve been working hard in the gym.training, training and training. I’ve come to realize that sometimes it’s difficult in the pros because opponents get switched around. It’s all part of the learning process. I train the same for all opponents, assuming that they’re going to bring their A game. I’m ready to fight. I’m in great shape and I can’t wait to show everyone there what I’ve been working on in the gym (401 Gym in Cranston, Rhode Island).”

O’Connor, fighting out of Framingham (MA), won last year’s US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament. Danny, who signed a promotional contract with Seminole Warriors Boxing, defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, last May as an amateur in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet.

“I love Montreal and the opportunity for Danny to fight there makes a lot of sense,” added O’Connor’s head trainer, Dave Keefe, who also co-manages Danny with Rob Valle. “I’m happy we’re fighting on the undercard of an IBF light welterweight title fight, which we hopefully will be fighting for in a couple of years.”

For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.

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26 January 2009 – Press Release

Billy Walsh and Stephen Haughian will finally get it on for the Irish Welterweight title at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on February 7.

Haughian has been eyeing a crack at the undefeated Corkman’s title ever since he won it 12 months ago and now he’s got his wish.

“To be fighting so close to home is a dream come true and to fight for the Irish title is the icing on the cake,” said the Lurgan man.

Haughian’s only up close and personal look at Walsh came when he appeared on the Leesider’s undercard in Cork two years ago and he says he saw enough night to know he can win.

“He’s the kind of guy that just comes out swinging,” said Haughian. “He doesn’t take a backward step so it should be a good fight. He’s a decent right hand and a good left hook and I’m sure he’ll start fast but I’m confident and my preparations couldn’t have gone any better so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”

Walsh is also quietly confident ahead of the first defence of his title and former two weight World Champ Vinny Pazienza has already made it known that he’s a fan of the Cork man.

Pazienza, who was known as the “Pazmanian Devil” during his fighting days is familiar with Walsh from his time in the U.S. The Rhode Island native enjoyed a glorious career that included an amazing comeback from a broken neck suffered in a car accident.

Since retiring in 2004 Pazienza has concentrated on TV work and he likes what he’s seen of Walsh. “I like Billy, he’s just a naturally tough guy who comes out banging. He’s got some boxing skills but he’s a tough SOB to go with it.

“He looks really good, has tons of ability and has a lot of amateur experience too. He’s known as ‘Billy Boy’ but I think they should change his nickname to ‘Hammerin’ Billy Walsh because he throws tons of punches and is heavy handed.”

One welterweight who won’t be on the card is Neil Sinclair. The Belfast puncher has suffered a recurrence of a niggling back injury that also caused him some problems last year and has been forced to withdraw from the Craigavon card. Two weight Irish champ, Andy Murray from Cavan heads the undercard as he looks to stretch his unbeaten professional run to 14 straight fights. Belfast’s Kevin “Sweet Pea” O’Hara is also in action along with unbeaten light welterweight Michael Kelly and popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart.

Tickets priced 30, 40 and 60 are available from:

Stephen Haughian 07595672699

Maurice Haughian 07733413516

Woodville Arms 02838324005

Ashburn Hotel 02838325711

John Breen 07802898054

Breens Gym (above Monico Bar, Belfast) 02890278708

Damian Taggart 07746527958

Michael Kelly 0877618356

Coley Traynor 07779594007

Best Rate Bureau 02830252595

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23 January 2009 – Press Release

Tommy Egan claims that he can help Bernard Dunne realise his World Title dreams by offering the Dubliner a shot at Cristobal Cruz and his IBF featherweight title.

Mexican Cruz (37-11-1) defends his title against rated French pugilist Cyrill Thomas (33-2-4) in St Quentin, France on Valentine’s night. If the World Champion emerges from that bout unscathed and still in possession of his title, Egan claims he would be more than willing to take on the Brian Peters-managed Dunne.

Neilstown native Dunne (27-1) bemoaned in the press this week the fact his career seems to have stalled somewhat and that it appears his boxing dreams and goals maybe caught up in a complex web of boxing politics, but Egan and Banner Promotions are willing to talk to Peters about a potential Cruz-Dunne World Title fight.

Egan, who has recently reached an agreement with Art Pelullo and Banner Promotions, that he believes will revolutionise the sport in Ireland and also stated that Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions would be more than willing to have the fight in Dunnes hometown of Dublin.

Bernard is a brilliant fighter and the biggest name in the super bantamweight division despite not holding a title a present,” Egan said.

“He would still be a big draw at featherweight. It is a shame he hasnt had a World Title fight confirmed as of yet, but if Cruz emerges victorious from his February 14 defence Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions could offer Bernard a shot at the IBF featherweight title, which could be held this summer in Dublin or the States.

“Art Pelullo is one of the most powerful and influential boxing promoters in the world and is eager to arrange that fight. As a boxing fan and a very good friend of Bernard I would love to see him achieve his goals, dreams and potential.

“If he was willing to move up to featherweight we would offer him a shot at Cruz and the World Title he craves, Egan explained.

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