27 February 2009 – Neil Sinclair

There are a number of big fights this month involving Irish boxers.

Paul McCloskey and Brian Magee are defending their British titles, a number of our up and comers are in action as well but Bernard Dunnes clash with Ricardo Cordoba for the WBA super-bantamweight title is the biggest fight involving an Irish boxer in years.

Even though he is an underdog there is no reason why he cant win. Its great that he has home advantage and that he will have seven or eight thousand Irishmen cheering him on. So hell get up for it. He is a confident guy anyway but his training will reflect the significance of the fight and I think he can take it to another level.

When I fought Daniel Santos for the World Title it was before Id even fought for a domestic title so I wasnt really as experienced as I would have liked. I was ok with nerves until I was in the changing room just before the fight when the size of the challenge hit me. I learned from it and when I fought for the British title it was like this is nothing to me nerves-wise because I had already fought at the highest level.

Bernard has already had great experience during his reign as European Champion so that be of great assistance.

Experience means so much. I hurt Santos in the first and he had the experience to take a knee until the count of nine to clear his head and when he got up and the bell rang immediately. It would have been nice to see what would have happened if it was midway through the round as I would have been looking to go in and finish the job.

But he went back to the corner and cleared his head and he came back out in the second and did a job on me. He showed his experience and that is the mark of a true champion. He has proved it time and time again he is still a champion.

Stepping up to World Class is tough, but I dont only hope Bernard can do it, I really think he can as well.

–

Im fit again after recovering from a hip injury and am back in training so hopefully Ill get a fight confirmed for sometime in April.

Leave a comment

27 February 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

Bernard Dunne has said that March 21s WBA super bantamweight title fight with champion Ricardo Cordoba marks the realisation of a dream.

Speaking to irish-boxing.com radio, Dunne, who clashes with Cordoba at the Dublin O2, said that he is within touching distance of the biggest prize in his sport.

There is nothing bigger, he beamed after 12 rounds of sparring at his Holy Trinity camp in Belfast.

This is what Ive dreamed about and I suppose what the Irish people have wanted since I came home from America. Now we are getting the chance to test ourselves against one of the best super-bantamweights in the world.

Having already completed six weeks of a gruelling nine week training schedule, Dunne is in peak condition and has spared no expense in securing the best sparring available.

Everything will be southpaw orientated, he said.

(The Cuban guy I was sparring with today) is very sharp, very strong and similar to Cordoba. We have also been working with an unbeaten Italian featherweight.

To hear Bernard Dunne talk about his WBA title fight with Ricardo Cordoba, tune in to the March edition of the irish-boxing.com radio available soon.

—

The Irish Boxing Supporters Club has organised a bus and ticket deal to Bernard Dunnes WBA super-bantamweight title fight against Ricardo Cordoba on March 21.

The bus will depart Newry with a pick up point in Dundalk before descending on the O2 for the biggest night of Irish boxing in a decade.

Among the stars in action are Olympic heroes Kenny Egan and Paddy Barnes as well as Andrew Murray, Oisin Fagan, Michael Kelly and Katie Taylor.

Ticket and transport is priced at 65. To book contact club secretary Bobby Lavery on 00447808175612 or blavery@irish-boxing.com. Places are strictly limited to 50 so book early to avoid disappointment.

Stay tuned to irish-boxing.com for more details.

Leave a comment

27 February 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

Motherwells Barry Morrison (17-3, 7KO) has told irish-boxing.com that he faces the stiffest test of his career when he squares off with Dungivens Paul McCloskey (18-0, 8KO) for the British light-welterweight title on March 13.

Former champion Morrison lifted the 10 stone title in 2007 with a points victory over Lenny Daws. However, defeats in his first defence to former McCloskey foe Colin Lynes and in a subsequent challenge against David Barnes mean Barnes is going for broke against the slick Irishman.

The 28-year-old admits he is up against it.

This is the hardest fight of my career, he said over the telephone.

You look at his record and realise that none of the other guys have the names on their records that Paul does. He has beaten some big names. I remember him in the amateurs, especially in the 1996 Gaelic Games but we never fought.

Few have managed to fully test the unorthodox McCloskey in his unbeaten professional career perhaps with the exception of Englishman Nigel Wright who dragged him in to a war in Limerick last year. Perhaps because of this Morrison is working on versatility in his training.

Ive prepared well. I was 10 stone 4lbs the other night the last couple of weeks are the hardest but Ive been doing the weight since I was 17. In relation to the boxing, obviously I will try different things. I have been sparring slippery and stand up southpaws, different styles of southpaw to be ready for whatever Paul does.

To the shock and chagrin of Irish boxing fans the bout will take place in the Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes to accommodate TV paymasters Sky. It had been speculated that the bout would take place at Belfasts Kings Hall.

Its down to the TV people, said Morrison. I think there will still be a fair number of Scots and Irish going to it so there should be a good atmosphere.

Stay tuned to irish-boxing.com next week for an exclusive interview with Paul McCloskey.

Leave a comment

236 February 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

The markets may be in turmoil, but Martin Rogan’s stock keeps rising.

Should he emerge victorious in a Commonwealth scrap with European Champion Matt Skelton on Saturday night at the NIA in Birmingham, the Belfast cabbie can call out the likes of Messrs Klitschko and Haye without having his tongue planted in his cheek.

The former Irish Senior Champion, now 11-0, 5KO as a pro, appeared to be on a road to nowhere at this time 12 months ago, but an incredible rags to riches story has established Rogan as one of Ireland’s favourite boxers. His popularity isn’t solely based on his ability to wax lyrical – although that has helped – more importantly he has backed up his talk in the ring.

Although victory in April’s Prizefighter made the boxing fraternity sit up and take notice, it was victory over former Olympic Champion Audley Harrison in December which brought the part-time actor (Man About Dog) in to the mainstream. Promoter Frank Warren certainly believes Rogan can produce the goods, promising a World title shot if the John Breen trained star emerges victorious in front of Sky TV’s cameras.

Rogan’s new found fame has also afforded him the opportunity to train as a full time professional. He may still talk like a taxi-driver, but his keys are very much in his back pocket for the foreseeable future. Rumour has it that in a bid to match Skelton’s (22-2, 19KO) rough-house style, Rogan has brought in some ‘interesting’ sparring partners.

Travelling the length and breadth of Ireland and mixing it with a number of bear-knuckle fighters may not meet the approval of purists, but given the task that lies ahead it is undoubtedly appropriate.

Rogan may be 37-years-old but should he earn the scalp of Skelton his career is only just beginning.

Leave a comment

26 February 2009 – By Kevin Byrne

The RTE cameras had been packed away by that stage, some punters had gone home. Still, many remained in the National Stadium to witness the best night of Wille McLoughlins life.

The Illies Golden Gloves welterweight became Irish Senior champion for the first time on February 20 after three fights in three weeks culminated in an all-Donegal decider against Cathal McCauley.

Hordes of fans had travelled south to witness the scrap, won by McLoughlin when the referee stopped the contest in the second. Plenty more were annoyed when the national broadcaster did not show it – having made do with filling gaps (due to two walkovers on the night) with interviews. This fight began at 11.10 – programmes ended at 11. Organisation on the night has been criticised in McLoughlin’s home county – after all, the derby was what they were waiting for.

But for McLoughlin and his overjoyed fans who scrambled to get a piece of the champ afterwards, that was the least of their worries.

Best night of your life? he was asked. Aye definitely, big time, responded McLoughlin. He was very strong and it was nice to catch him with a big shot at the end. I wasnt too sure what the score was as the scoring wasnt working on the screens.

I asked my corner a few times and they had no information to give me. Even when I was one up after the first round I thought it was around 3-2 or 3-1.

McLoughlins brother fought McCauley a few years back. He won two, lost two. But Willie has gone further, down a different track. Although this was his first Senior belt, he had been Irelands representative at 69Kg for the past year.

Three-time champion Roy Sheahan broke his hand last year, just weeks after retaining his belt. So McLoughlin stepped in and in the process, took the international experience that duly followed. And he showed how far he had come on in his semi-final this year against Sheahan. Winning a close fight 7-5, McLoughlin could have been forgiven for thinking that the belt was virtually his.

My brother fought Cathal about three or four years ago when he used to box and Cathal beat him twice and my brother beat him twice, so it was interesting. I never sparred him before myself so it was good to get a win,” he enthused.

After beating Roy I did in a way (feel the title was in the bag) when my coaches were celebrating but I says to them: Ive won nothing yet, I still have to beat Cathal. I knew hed be in the final because he got the easier side of the draw. I got the tough side. The first lad (Thomas Blaney, preliminaries) I only beat him by five last year – this year I beat him by 22 so it shows how much Ive come on.

After his final victory over McCauley, he was congratulated first by his fans, but soon natonal coach Zoar Antia paid a visit. THOMAS he grinned, before having a quiet word in his ear. And McLoughlin feels working with such coaches – with the experience they possess – has helped him blossom from bridesmaid to bride in 2009.

When we seen Roy in his first fight we thought he wasnt fully well. International experience is unbelievable to me, I notice a mighty difference in the speed and power that I gained. The difference in the technique you learn punching brings you on, he said.

The way the scoring works was totally different when I went out to the EUs and Europeans and qualifiers. You get to see the way it really works and that helps in the Irish final.

I never imagined Id come down here and win this. I knew I was training hard, Ive trained unbelievably and the club coaches have put in some effort. I didnt really dream of this but I felt I could beat anybody – I felt I could beat Roy – no question about it. Roy is a top-class performer and as nice a fella as youd get in a boxing ring but Im glad I won it.

Leave a comment

26 February 2009 – Press Release

The IABA has named its squads for the weekend’s double duel with the USA in Dublin and Kildare.

Both nations meet at the National Stadium on Friday night and at the Arch Centre in Athy on Sunday evening.

Beijing bronze medalist Paddy Barnes, World and European champion Katie Taylor and Anthony Crampton will take part in both internationals.

Crampton replaces super heavyweight David Joyce, of the Moate club, who withdrew.

Fridays international will involve nine of the winners from last weekends Elite National Senior finals. Beijing Olympic silver medalist Ken Egan, who claimed an historic ninth Irish senior title in a row six days ago, meets Siju Shabazz and 2008 Olympian and European Union bantamweight champion John Joe Nevin faces Ernie Graza.

World flyweight champion Rau’see Warren will take on Dublin Docklands ace Declan Geraghty, and American 2008 Olympian Raynall Williams goes head-to-head with 2007 European Union silver medalist Carl Frampton, who claimed the Irish featherweight crown last Friday following a three round thriller with David Oliver Joyce.

Meanwhile, five St Michael’s Athy boxers have been called up to the Irish panel for Sunday’s clash.

Beijing Olympian and 2008 European Championships bronze medalist John Joe Joyce, 2008 European Union champion David Oliver Joyce, 2007 European Union champion Roy Sheahan, 2009 Irish senior champion Eric Donovan and 2008 AIBA World Youth bronze medalist David Joyce will be between the ropes.

Team USA has already arrived in Dublin and trained at the National Stadium ahead of Fridays meeting.

Ireland v USA National Stadium Dublin February 27 (7.30pm)

48Kg: Paddy Barnes (Ireland) v Louie Byrd (USA)

51Kg: Declan Geraghty (Ireland) v Rau’shee Warren (USA)

54Kg: John Joe Nevin (Ireland) v Ernie Garza (USA)

57Kg: Carl Frampton (Ireland) v Raynall Williams (USA)

60Kg: Ross Hickey (Ireland) v Eric Fowler (USA)

60Kg: Katie Taylor (Ireland) v Queen Underwood (USA)

64kg: Philip Sutcliffe (Ireland) v Charles Watson (USA)

69Kg: Willie McLoughlin (Ireland) v Javontae Starks (USA)

75Kg: Darren O’Neill (Ireland) v Aleem Whitfield (USA)

81Kg: Ken Egan (Ireland) v Siju Shabazz (USA)

91Kg: Con Sheehan (Ireland) v Paul Koon (USA)

91+Kg: Anthony Crampton (Ireland) v Michael Hunter (USA)

Irish v USA Arch Centre Athy, Kildare March 1 (7.30pm)

48Kg: Paddy Barnes (Ireland) v Louie Byrd (USA)

51Kg: Ruairi Dalton (Ireland) v Rau’shee Warren (USA)

54Kg: Ryan Lindberg (Ireland) v Ernie Garza (USA)

57Kg: David Oliver Joyce (Ireland) v Raynall Williams (USA)

60Kg: Eric Donovan (Ireland) v Eric Fowler (USA)

60Kg: Katie Taylor (Ireland) v Queen Underwood (USA)

64Kg: John Joe Joyce (Ireland) v Charles Watson (USA)

69Kg: Roy Sheahan (Ireland) v Javontae Starks (USA)

75Kg: David Joyce (Ireland) v Aleem Whitfield (USA)

81Kg: Denis Hogan (Ireland) v Siju Shabazz (USA)

91Kg: John Sweeney (Ireland) v Paul Koon (USA)

91+Kg: Anthony Crampton (Ireland) v Michael Hunter (USA)

Leave a comment

25 February 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Wayne McCullough will make his return to the ring on the Erin Go Brawl II card at the Wamu Theater in Madison Square Garden on March 16.

The Pocket Rocket has not fought since retiring at the end of the sixth in a scheduled ten-rounder against Juan Ruiz last June, in what was the Northern Irishman’s first outing in just under three years.

There had been speculation at the time that the former WBC bantamweight champion was ready to call time on his illustrious career, but only last month he reaffirmed his intention to fight on, even calling out good friend Bernard Dunne.

Indeed, it has now been confirmed that he will box in a co-feature against an as yet unconfirmed opponent on next month’s Andy Lee-Antwun Echols card in New York City.

It has also been announced that promising Irish light-welterweight Dean Byrne has been added to the bill.

The undefeated Dubliner, who boxes out of Freddie Roachs Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles, will be making his first-ever appearance in The Big Apple.

Im looking forward to being in New York City. Ive wanted to fight there for a long time to show everybody what Im capable of,” Byrne enthused.

“Im a great entertainer and love to entertain fans whove paid their hard earned money to come to my fights.

“Ive always dreamed of fighting in Madison Square Garden and to do it in front of so many Irish fans is a great opportunity for me.

“I fought on the Irish Team with Andy Lee. Hes a good friend and a good guy.

“I knew of Wayne McCullough, everybody did back home, but I dont know him. I said hello to him once at a stadium but Im sure he doesnt remember me.

“Im looking forward to meeting him and honoured to be fighting on the same card as Andy and Wayne.

Byrne is now hoping to follow the example of the likes of Steve Collins, John Duddy, Dunne and McCullough, all of whom learned their trade in the States and transform himself into a fighter capable of challenging for world titles.

One of the reasons I came to the U.S. to fight was what they did here, the Crumlin man admitted.

I watched Stevie Collins and the Irish havent had a world champion in 12 years since him. Everything is great here for boxing training, gyms, trainers, and sparring.

A year ago, I was going to Boston from Australia but stopped in Los Angeles, worked out a few times at Wild Card, and then Freddie said I could stay. Ive been there ever since.

Sparring there for a young fighter cant get any better. Mannys an unbelievable fighter and a great person.

Freddie has gotten me to sit down more on my punches. Ive always had power but, hes brought it out of me, and Im much more comfortable.”

Leave a comment

25 February 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Darren Barker has set his sights on a mouth-watering middleweight clash with John Duddy.

Derry native Duddy is reportedly on the verge of securing a shot at the divisions number one, Kelly Pavlik.

However, Barker believes that the Irishman has yet to truly prove himself worthy of a world title tilt, arguing that Duddys box office appeal is greater than his actual boxing ability.

Johns obviously a very popular guy over there but I believe theres more to being a fighter than selling tickets and while there is a talk of a fight with Kelly Pavlik, I dont think John has earned that chance yet, he reasoned.

Im a traditionalist and I believe you should earn those kind of fights in the ring and not in the box office.

Id love to defend my title against Duddy. I think it would be a cracking fight with two unbeaten guys from this side of the Atlantic going at it on that side of the pond.

I know that Mick Hennessy has spoken to his management and while they were keen to fight on the card I dont think theyre all that keen on the idea of fighting me.

Indeed, Hennessy is doing all he can to secure his man a crack at Duddy.

Ive had talks with Duddys management and theyre looking to fight in late April but Im not interested in watching Duddy fighting another faded veteran and I find it hard to believe that his own fans are either, he stated.

I think its time Duddy stepped up to fight a dangerous, unbeaten fighter and prove he belongs at world level.

However, Barker is unsure if Duddy would be willing to risk his unbeaten record against him.

To be honest, Johns opposition to date has been very much hand picked, fighting a collection of guys that were either well past their best or werent much to begin with in the first place,” he claimed.

If he steps up and fights me hed face a very different type of opponent. I believe Im a world-class fighter and I think by the end of the year Ill be knocking on the door of a world title fight myself but I want to make sure Ive earned that right first.

Leave a comment

23 February 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

The Irish Boxing Supporters Club has organised a bus and ticket deal to Bernard Dunnes WBA super-bantamweight title fight against Ricardo Cordoba on March 21.

The bus will depart Newry with a pick up point in Dundalk before descending on the O2 for the biggest night of Irish boxing in a decade.

Among the stars in action are Olympic heroes Kenny Egan and Paddy Barnes as well as Andrew Murray, Oisin Fagan, Michael Kelly and Katie Taylor.

Ticket and transport is priced at 65. To book contact club secretary Bobby Lavery on 00447808175612 or blavery@irish-boxing.com. Places are strictly limited to 50 so book early to avoid disappointment.

Stay tuned to irish-boxing.com for more details.

Leave a comment

23 February 2009 – Press Release

In only his fourth professional fight, Irish-American starlet Danny OConnor makes his US National television debut on Friday night in the opening bout on ESPNs Friday Night Fights against light welterweight Jamar Saunders (2-1-1, 1 KO).

The bout at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida is O’Connor’s (3-0, 1KO) first since an impressive four round points decision over Greg Jimenez.

Im very excited to be fighting February 27 on national television, he said.

All of my family and friends at home will be able to watch me fight on ESPN. For so many years some of my fans havent been able to watch my fights. This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my talent to so many people whove never seen me fight. Im in my best shape, at the top of my game. Ive trained hard and Im coming to fight. I love fighting at the Hard Rock and its starting to feel like home.

OConnor, fighting out of Framingham (MA), won last years US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament. Danny, who is promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing, defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, as an amateur last May in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet.

Were all very excited and cant wait, said OConnors co-manager and head trainer David Keefe.

Showcasing Danny on national television has been in our plans since day one and now its happening in only his fourth pro fight.

Many of OConnors family members, friends and hometown fans will be watching his fight at Pepperoncinis, 486 Concord Street in Framingham. The public is invited, starting at 7 PM/ET.

Leave a comment