31 July 2010

Limerick middleweight Andy Lee marked time as he awaits a major title shot with a fifth round stoppage of James Brian Cook in Okalahoma on Friday night.

Lee, 22-1 (16KO) was boxing on the untelevised portion of ESPNs popular Friday Night Fights card against the unheralded Cook, 11-4 (8KO).

In a bout that was more about raising the 26-year-old Irishmans US profile and keeping sharp rather than testing himself to the limit, Lee ended the contest with a left hook to the body in the fifth of eight scheduled rounds.

Cook had hit the canvas in the previous round, although it had been ruled a low blow.

Lee will now be a keen observer of September 18s European clash between Matthew Macklin and Darren Barker.

Meanwhile, Irish-American Maureen Shea, 15-2 (9KO) has won the NABF featherweight title having defeated Liliana Martinez, 8-11 (4KO) at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. Shea, know as The Real Million Dollar Baby won the contest by way of a third round stoppage.

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30 July 2010 – Cormac Campbell

Dan Donnelly 1788-1820

Patrick Myler

lilliputpress.ie

I like boxing and I like history, yet all too often I find boxing books over reliant on cold statistics and lengthy descriptions of age old bouts rather than actually getting a grasp on the true nature of the subject matter.

After all, the journey is often more interesting than the destination and thankfully Patrick Mylers account of the life of Dan Donnelly provides a more rounded account of the life and death of Donnelly rather than simply recounting his achievements.

For the Donnelly story offers much more than of a man who could fight. It also has the lure of grave diggers, the theft and preservation of an arm as well as a healthy smattering of birds, booze and myth attached to it. As such, the tagline of Pugilist, Publican, Playboy pretty much sums it up.

That the book is well written goes without saying after all Myler has been at the forefront of boxing journalism in Ireland for longer than he would care to remember. At times his turn of phrase leaves a smile on the face, at others, particularly when he explores the world of grave digging the skin tends to crawl.

There is plenty of boxing in here too and Myler not only gives a comprehensive account of Donnellys career which saw him acknowledged as one of the finest protagonists in the bare knuckle age – but also explores the effect it had on his life in terms of business and pleasure.

Today it would probably be said that Donnelly had an addictive personality and writing such a review the week after the death of Alex Higgins, highlights that our fascination with flawed genius remains intact some 190 years after Donnellys death.

Verdict: Well worth picking up.

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29 July 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

Andy Lee returns to action on Friday in a fight he admits is not significant in terms of his World title dreams but important none the less.

Defeating James Brian Cook (11-3-1 8KO) in Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma will certainly not ensure the Limerick native a coveted world title shot, but it serves to keep the ring rust off whilst he actively peruses a bout with a marquee name.

Lee believes if he keeps beating opponents and building his record they, as in the big fights, will come.

The former Olympian’s number one fan and legendary trainer, Emmanuel Steward claims the biggest of bouts is just a couple fights away, as he predicts a March 2011 World title shot.

Lee, however is focused on wracking up the wins in a bid to re-raise his American profile starting with a knock out victory over Cook.

I’m well prepared for the fight, better then some of my bigger fights, Lee explained to the Mirror.

I have had plenty of tough sparring mostly with K9′s Cornelius Bundrage and Domonique Dolton at the Kronk gym. Although it’s not a big fight, I’m happy to be staying busy and to keep building my record. The big fights will come but in the mean time it’ll help to stay shape by fighting these type of fights. I am eager to stay busy there is no point in hanging around. That is why we took this fight at short notice. We are ready for the bigger fights and more of a challenge, but we to keep active too. the Limerick native added before claiming to know as little about Cook as some bemused fans.

I don’t know much about my opponent apart from his record. On paper I’m the favourite. I just have to be prepared for everything. I plan to have a look at him in the early rounds then size him up. I will predict a knock out win, with all due respect, he has been knocked out before so I will try and stop him.

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28 July 2010

An unusual boxing exhibition is set to take place on top of Irelands tallest mountain Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry on August 14.

Event organisers who have dubbed the event Boxing for Battens are hoping to raise urgent funds required for treatment of Irish patients in the US.

Prizefighter Champ Willie Casey and Irelands first female professional Christina McMahon (along with other sporting stars) will battle it out for battens disease almost 3,500 feet up Irelands highest peak. The boxing ring will be airlifted to the summit via helicopter with RTE news cast covering the days events.

Those who wish to donate can email support@beeforbattens.org.

Event organisers Dolphil Promotions and beeforbattens are hoping to both create awareness for this rare neuro-degenerative and always fatal condition and raise the cash required for the campaign to succeed. Established in March 2010, beeforbattens hopes you, the media get behind this charity boxing event and give it the coverage it deserves- its a great story but most importantly its a great cause.

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28 July 2010

Unbeaten Irish fighter Dean Byrne 12-0 (KO 5) reunites with his former Crumlin Boxing Club coach and mentor Phil Sutcliffe as he is added to DolPhil Promotions already loaded The Homecoming bill which takes place at the CityWest Hotel, Dublin on Saturday, August 7.

It certainly will be a Homecoming for Byrne, nicknamed Irish Lightening, as the fighter who is based in Los Angeles, USA where he trains at Freddie Roachs Wild Card Gym has yet to fight on home soil during his unblemished twelve fight career.

The former Irish amateur champion turned professional in 2006 in Australia and enjoy a successful six fight stint Down Under, picking and retaining their national Light welterweight title before flying to America to join up with one of the worlds most illustrious boxing trainers, Freddie Roach.

Since his debut Stateside, Dean has improved his power and technique earning a spot as one of the main sparring partners for the World Pound-For-Pound number one Manny Pacquiao and British star Amir Khan.

Despite this high profile activity, Byrne, 25, has an eye toward the Irish scene and is keen to follow in the footsteps of his hero, fellow Dubliner, Bernard Dunne.

Maybe I could emulate Bernard Dunne, like me, he spent a few years in America learning his trade and building his record. Then came back home, smashed it and become world champion. So I just say to myself, if Bernard can do it, why can’t I? Its time to grab to bull by the horns as they say, said a determined Byrne.

Coming off a fifth round stoppage Byrne intends to use Dolphil Promotions heavily laidened bill as the springboard to the world title shot that he craves.

The plan is to keep busy, I need to keep improving my record. I dont want to be sitting around waiting I need fights to achieve my goals. I had a year out of the ring sorting out of the ring and in my return bout I felt the year off in my performance and I dont want to repeat that. Byrne confessed openly.

I dont plan on the fight going the full six rounds. I am going to show the crowd the best of me and then I plan of getting whoever is in front of me out of there.

Its more important to put on a show in front of my home crowd than in any fight I have had before. I approach every fight like it is a world title fight but this is something different and I will be looking to impress me home fans. added Irish Lightening.

Also on the 11 fight bill is Limericks Willie Bang Bang Casey who returns to Ireland following his victory in the SKY Sports Prizefighter series, the All-Ireland of Dublins Anthony Fitzgerald and Belfasts Phillip Townley and the debut of Irelands first ever female professional boxer, Christina McMahon.

Tickets are available from of 40 at www.ticketgroup.ie.

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27 July 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

Christina McMahon will enter the boxing record books by becoming Irelands first home based female professional boxer when she takes to the ring in City West on August 7.

McMahon, however isnt content with just making history on the Dolphil promoted show. The fighter know as Lightening is quick to point out her pro debut is not a novelty bout but rather the first step toward World title glory.

McMahon may be making her boxing debut but she is not a fight novice having acquainting herself to the squared circle in a distinguished kickboxing career.

A former WAKO World champion, McMahon amassed an astonishing 23 National Senior kickboxing titles in just 12 years. Now she is looking to emulate that success in the pro box game.

I am definitely looking to emulate the success I had in kick boxing in the pro boxing game, McMahon told the Mirror.

There is absolutely no way I would trade one sporting career for another just to be here for the fun. I am not starting all over again for nothing. The aim is to make it to the top. I am very comfortable in the ring. When I am in there I am in to win and I have always been successful. Losing is not something I am used to and I am working to ensure I wont have to get used to it in boxing, she added.

The significance of McMahons debut will not be lost on boxing fans, but the fighter, who is sporting bruises from tough sparring with Crumlins males finest, is just focused on ensuring step one on the World title trail is negotiated successfully.

I do feel its more than just a fight – I have to do women, my country and my club justice. My job in the first fight is to make everyone proud. But I am not looking at this as one fight but the first step to the top. Thats why I am here in Crumlin gym and working with Dolphil promotions because I know they can help me go all the way. I always feel when I get into the ring I am up against it champion or no champion and I get into that mindset and train for a hard fight. I dont see myself as a kick boxing champion getting into the ring I see myself as a boxing champion in the making.”

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27 July 2010

Following on from the success of last year’s event, the Legends of Belfast Boxing show will again draw boxing afficianados from near and far.

In what should be a star-studded evening, the rich history of pugilism in the city will be explored again with no shortage of memories and craic.

This year’s event, which will take place on Thursday, August 5, commencing at 7pm in the Falls Road Library, will explore the great clubs, characters, unsung heroes and of course boxers who have put the name of West Belfast on the world sporting map.

Hosted again by Alex Maskey and Barry Flynn the show will include some rare footage of long-gone fights to add to what will be a night of pure nostalgia.

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26 July 2010 – Cormac Campbell

Warrenpoint puncher Declan Trainor looks set to take on Jamie Bogovic in a September rematch despite having stopped the Aussie in the first round.

Cruiserweight Bogovic, a two-time Australian amateur champion and Commonwealth Games representative, had been touted for a successful professional career. A first round KO victory over Filipo Fonti in his debut last December and the backing of ring legend Jeff Fenech, seemed to confirm that he would develop into a major attraction.

Trainor clearly hadnt read the script and in front of a live TV audience on Fox Sports he bludgeoned Bogovic into defeat within a round.

Entering the ring to the Dropkick Murphys anthem Shipping up to Boston Trainor looked to be the epitome of confidence. Indeed, a sizeable wager on the outcome of the contest had been discussed backstage. In terms of the reception received from those in attendance, and indeed the build-up afforded by the MC, it was clear that Bogovic was the home fighter.

However, Trainor quickly dampened their spirits by flooring Bogovic with a big right hand just one minute into the fight. The shot clearly reworked the structure of Bogovics nose and prompted a gush of blood that ultimately stopped the contest.

Speaking to irish-boxing.com after the fight, Trainor said a rematch was in the offing.

I was expecting it to be a close fight but I knew that I had the power in the right hand and if I could just catch him it would work for me, he said.

I think they are looking a rematch to prove that they are good enough to beat me but I will be in even better shape for the next match. I never think anything is a risk, I say you have to beat the best to be the best so I really don’t mind who I get matched up with.

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26 July 2010

Darren Barker will prepare for his European middleweight title defence against Matt Macklin with a training camp in Tenerife.

The Londoner puts his title on the line against his Brummie rival on September 18 at Birminghams LG Arena as part of Frank Warren’s massive Magnificent Seven show, live on Sky Box Office.

While Macklin will jet to the USA to team up with Freddie Roach, Barker will travel to the Canary Islands.

“Macklin needs to go half way round the world, I just get on a plane for a couple of hours and I’ll have the best training camp possible,” said Barker.

“I’ll be running up and down Mount Teide to get in shape. The facilities we have out there will be second to none.

“I can also call on the skills of the most under-rated trainer in boxing, Tony Sims.”

Sims added, “Darren will be in the best shape of his life. We’ve contacted a couple of people in France for some sparring, and we’ll be bringing them over to Tenerife.

“I’ve watched Matt Macklin throughout his career, and he’s a great fighter. But I think Darren’s hand-speed will win him this fight.”

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26 July 2010 – Steve Wellings

Carl Frampton and Willie Casey appear to be on an inevitable collision course with both exciting super-bantamweight prospects appearing on the same Belfast card on September 18.

Former World featherweight champion Barry McGuigan announced a six-fight deal with Setanta on last week and both unbeaten talents shared the top table.

Limerick star Casey claimed Prizefighter glory recently and placed himself right into the title mix. The 28-year-old hopes to step closer to a European title tilt when he meets Italian Emiliano Salvini in Dublins City West on August 7. But while Frampton received the plaudits, as his inaugural headliner was announced, Caseys trainer Phil Sutcliffe warned that the Belfast hot-shot would first have to get past his man before he rises to the very top.

Before Carl moves on he has to get past Willie Casey first, smiled Sutcliffe.

Both guys are chasing the same dream and Carl is an excellent fighter, Ive been watching him since he was a baby. Ive taken Willie for only two years and even though Ive never done the pads with Carl I know that Willie can hit every bit as hard and Ive seen Carl spar my own boy [Phil Jnr] so I know he can bang.

What we have here is two very good bangers. Carls a little bit more technical than Willie but Casey is still learning and developing and didnt have the privilege of the High Performance team but he has the privilege on training in Crumlin gym. So if the two meet each other along the way, I would say keep your hands up to Carl.

McGuigan also sees a clash in the pipeline. I see a fight between Frampton and Casey as a distinct possibility somewhere down the road, said Barry.

Phil and I will be working together to keep these boys busy and active. The time is not right at the moment for a fight, we have to build them up and make then champions.

They fought as amateurs and it would be great to see them box each other as professionals. Any boxing aficionado would pay to see a fight between these two. When both men have won titles the time will be right.

Barry also reiterated his belief that Carl can match, or even supersede, his own professional achievements which included a WBA featherweight crown.

I see so much of myself in him and even more still, he admitted.

Carl appeals to all sides of the community and he is a beacon for hope and represents the shared future of a modern Northern Ireland. He has punching power, cunning, the ability to box or fight, come off the back foot and be aggressive.

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