Irish boxing legend Michael Carruth  wants to loose the honour of being the last Irish person to have Olympic Gold draped around his neck in next years Olympics.

Carruth defeated Cuban Juan Hernandez in the welterweight final at Barcelona ‘92 to win a special place in Irish sporting history, but feels its time he was replaced as Ireland’s last gold medallist.

The Driminagh boxing club stalwart was underdog against  four time world amateur champion, Hernandez, but believes the current Irish squad have the structures in place to ensure they kind of preparation that shouldn’t see them fearing any fighters.

Indeed. despite the fact we only have Michael Conlon, Daren O’Neill and John Joe Nevin qualified Carruth is predicting gold medals in London 2012.

“I’m expecting gold medals,” Carruth told the Irish Examiner  “Bronze is lovely, silver is lovely but we have to start expecting gold medals. It will be 20 years since I won. These lads have everything they need, from high performance training, physiotherapy, nutrition, core training, training camps, competition like you wouldn’t believe. So I’m expecting golds. I’ll be disappointed if we don’t pick up a gold medal. We need to get that monkey off our back. It’s a bit of a gorilla at the moment. I like Michael Conlon, I like John Joe Nevin. Always look for the little lads.”

If Ireland is to win Gold surely three time world champion Katie Taylor is the countries best bet. Woman’s boxing’s greatest amateur is tipped to top a podium in London and continue her brilliant rise to the top.

However, Carruth is anti hype and is preaching caution. The Olympic gold medallist emphasises Taylor faces a tougher task than most are predicting and warns Taylor has yet to qualify.

“I’d just say that the media should let her alone and qualify first and then we’ll address the Olympics. What people don’t realise is there’s only three boxing categories (in the women’s section). There’s 51, 60 and 75kg. So anyone who’s in the 64kg will be trying to move down to 60. Any world champion or runner-up in the 57kg will be moving up, so (Katie) could be up against two world champions, along with herself, and three runners-up. But she’s got all the pedigree. She’s done everything that’s been asked of her, she’s always rose to the top.”

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Injury has prevented Tony Bates from adding another victim to his fight CV before the year is out, but ‘Irish Psycho’ isn’t too down beat as he has big 2012 plans.

The Australian based fight was scheduled to face his fourth opponent in the Sunshine Roller Skating Centre, Sunshine, Victoria, Australia on Friday night.

Bates, however had to withdraw and instead of looking forward to a fight before Christmas the Clonalkin native is glancing further down the line and at a successful second year as a pro.

“I am not fighting on Friday now. I got a reoccurrence of an injury so I am just going wait until it fully it heals then fight in the most likely in the new year. i was hungry to notch up more wins before the new year but I will have to wait. The plan is to stay focused and get back to 100% . I want to be ready for 2012 because we have a busy year planned. I have more wins to notch up on my record.”

He may be eager to look ahead but Bates has no problem reflecting on what he believes has been a good year. Injuries aside it couldn’t have went better for the St Matthews graduate.

“I have been progressing brilliantly. I was ready to fight on Billy Dibs undercard then got injured and then again when was supposed to fight on Friday. However apart from my injuries my training and sparring were great.”

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By Jonny Stapleton

Katie Taylor is on a mission to show the world what women’s boxing is about.

The female boxing legend believes London 2012, the first Olympic’s to allow women’s boxing, is the perfect platform to prove female fighting is worthy of international respect.

The three time world champion wants to rid the negative connotations that are often associated with women’s pugilism and thinks the greatest sporting show on earth is the best place to achieve that.

Taylor has already raised the profile of the sport in Ireland and won the respect of fight fans across the country. Indeed the Bray native was labelled ‘one of our greatest boxers of all time’ by fellow boxing legend Barry McGuigan, but the former Irish soccer captain plans on winning over more fans next summer.

“I have always wanted to raise the profile of the sport. A lot of people have negative opinions about  women’s boxing. It is hard at times, but its in the Olympics now and that gives everyone a chance to see it at its best. I think when we get to London and start competing people will be shocked at the standard. We are going to show the world what women’s boxing is about,” Taylor explained to Sky Sports News.

Taylor’s CV stands up to the best in the fight game and she is favourite to add to her extensive trophy cabinet by winning 60kg gold next year. However despite talk of gold medals the ever humble talent is focused on qualifying and isn’t even taking her place in the Irish team to travel to London for granted.

“I have to get there first which will be a huge challenge, but if my training keeps going well I hope I can qualify. It would be a dream come true to fight at the Olympics and represent my company. It would be amazing to get a medal. We came back from Beijing with three medals. Boxing is always our best chance for the Olympic medal and hopefully I can keep that tradition going.”

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By Jonny Stapleton

All roads may be pointing to Matthew Macklin but Sergio Martinez is willing to take an other Irish route and face Andy Lee if needs be.

Speaking to www.irish-boxing.com the Pound for Pound #3 revealed he is targeting Floyd Mayweather and his greatest boxer on the planet status and claimed a bout with ’Mack The Knife’ is a massive possibility.

However, despite rumours of a done Macklin deal the Argentine superstar has left the door open for Limerick’s Lee.

Certainly if Macklin and Martinez do trade leather on March 17 Lee is in pole position to face the winner.

“Macklin and Lee are different, but both are great fighters. I repeat that my first option is Mayweather. If we cant make the fight with Mayweather Macklin is a big possibility, but if my promoter wants me to face with Andy Lee now or in the future I will not have any problem with that.”

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By Jonny Stapleton

Sergio Martinez’s pound for pound aspirations are all that stand in the way of Matthew Macklin’s March 17 world title hopes.

The WBC Diamond middleweight champ broke his Macklin silence yesterday and told Mirror Sport a fight with the Irish fighter is a distinct possibility.

Indeed according to ‘Marvilla’ a slim chance he could face the man he deems the greatest on the planet Fylod ‘Money’ Mayweather is all that has prevented him putting pen to paper on a deal to fight ‘Mack The Knife’ in New York on St Patrick’s Day.

Martinez, who like Macklin is promoted by Lou DiBella , is third in the pound for pound ratings, but has his eyes on the number one slot meaning Macklin will have to wait to see if he has secured the biggest fight of his career.

“A fight between Macklin and myself is a real possibility at present. Macklin is a big rival and respected around the world, but in all honesty my first choice is Floyd Mayweather. My obsession is to be the pound for pound number one and I will be fighting until I achieve that. I know I will never fight Pacquiao. Mayweather is different, he is #1, the true P4P King, and everyone who wants to be the best of the world has to beat Floyd Mayweather. I want to be the best, I will fight and defeat Floyd Mayweather. If I can’t secure a fight with Mayweather I will take the fight with Macklin,” Martinez told Mirror Sport.

Macklin, who seems to have secured a fight with the best in his division at the expense of fellow Irish middleweight Andy Lee, already had the chance to win a world strap, but fell victim to a home town decision against Felix Sturm in Germany.

Former WBO and WBC champion, Martinez believes the former European champion was the victor that night. The 36 year old claims Macklin deserves to have a world title on his mantle piece, but warned the Brian Peters managed pugilist won’t be taking his.

“Macklin won the fight (with Sturm) in my opinion. He is a champion without belt. He deserves to have a belt but he won’t be getting mine. He is a great fighter, very strong, very hard and hungry. He will come to attack and destroy me, but he has to remember the calibre of fighter that will be standing in front of him.”

If the rumour mill is proved right and the fight as expected is made it will be a massive Irish occasion in New York. Madison Square Garden  is set to stage the fight and Macklin could generate massive support on Paddy’s weekend.

Martinez, who also revealed he would have no problem fighting Andy Lee, certainly hopes so and rather than been deterred claims the more Irish fans in the famous venue the better he’ll perform.

“I would like to see  Madison Square Garden full. It doesn’t matter if there are thousands of Irish inside. I will be best fighter if there are hundreds and I will be even better if there are thousands.”

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By Jonny Stapleton

DENNIS Hogan is feeling dangerous and ready to finish a very successful debut year with a bang early next month.

The Kildare native, who is one of a number of Irish fighters on the up Down Under, takes on Bradley Viegal in the Brisbane Arena on December 8 and is confident of victory.

“I am in top condition. I have the whole years experience and fitness behind me. I am feeling dangerous, but as usual I will head into the fight careful and watchful and see from there,” Hogan told www.irish-boxing.com.

Victory number 7 will certainly be an Icing on the cake of what has proved to be a successful novice year for Hogan. The Australian based fighter amassed a record of six wins and one draw since making his debut in April and claimed the Queensland State super middleweight title in his last innings.

The Irish fighter couldn’t be happier how his debut season has gone so far but is determined not to leave his first pro title cutting an isolated figure on his mantle piece.
“This year has been better than any novice professional starting out could have hoped for thanks to the great work put in by my team, myself and my sponsors AIDA group for which I am very grateful. I also won my first pro title, but I am under no illusion. I know that after Christmas I am not a novice pro anymore and the opposition will get a lot stronger and tougher. I will keep on my toes and focus on rising to the challenge every time. We haven’t set a goal as yet for 2012 because we still have this last hurdle to make it over, but lets just say I left a bit of free space where I the Queensland title belt.”

The king of Queensland’s super middleweights has fought at light heavyweight and super middle this year but has yet to settle on an ideal weight.

Indeed Hogan, who claims he is ready for his up coming bout, feels he could make light middle by some stage next year.

“I fought at light heavy and super middle already this year. Now I am comfortable making middleweight. I think after Christmas I will probably be able to make light middleweight the way things are going, but it will stop there because there is nothing much left to come off as it is now. It really is a great testament to how hard i trained this year.”

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By Jonny Stapleton

Middleweight Anthony Fitzgerald has seen a massive breakthrough fight with Billy Joe Saunders slip through his gloves over the last couple of days.

‘The Pride’ was offered a chance to fight the much touted former Olympian on the under card of James DeGale and Jose Maria Guerrerro in Liverpool on December 9, but had to turn down the clash as he feared he wouldn’t make weight in time.

The WBA world number 10 is obviously disappointed and claims he was very keen to challenge the undefeated prospect live on Box Nation.

Indeed the Irish super middleweight and EBA European champion tried to negotiate a new date for what would could have proven to be the biggest fight of his career.

Secondary negotiations where not fruitful however and Fitzgerald now plans to take matters in his own hands and promote a show in Dublin in mid February.

“I got a call asking if I would fight Billy Joe Saunders and I instantly said yes. That is a fight I would love to take. Defeating Saunders would really raise my profile across the UK, but the notice was too short. I would have two weeks to prepare and there is weight issues too. I told them they would take the fight with six weeks notice, but they are just focused on December 9. I am not sure they want Saunders in against me when I have the benefit of a full training camp behind me,” Fitzgerald revealed before discussing a fight under the Pride Promotions banner scheduled for mid February.

“We are looking at putting a show on in February. Dublin badly needs a show and it will prove beneficial to all the Irish fighters out there at the moment not getting regular work. We are looking at a few options for myself, but I would love to fight Spike. I am not sure if he would take it or not though.”

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By Jonny Stapleton

Navan’s Seanie Monaghan is the latest Irish fighter looking to conjoin St Patrick Day and title winning celebrations.

The American born, New York based son of Irish emigrants, has his eyes set on the light heavyweight Irish title and wants to claim the prestigious crown on March 17.

The undefeated prospect is already in talks re a New York based title shot with reigning champion Ciaran Healy and has suggested if he beats Irish boxing’s renaissance man he will defend the strap this side of the Atlantic.

However despite having a title fight on the horizon Monaghan (10-0) is adamant his focus has not been diverted from his clash with Santos Martinez (02-02)in Madison Square Garden this Saturday night.

“I’ve definitely got my eye on that Irish Title,” Monaghan told www.irish-boxing.com. “I am ranked #2 in Ireland right now and we’re actually negotiating with the champ Ciaran Healy right now. They’re talking about coming out to New York to give me a shot at his belt on St Paddys day. If everything works out I would love to go back and defend my title in Ireland. That is all in the works, but first things first i have to handle my business Dec 3rd

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By Jonny Stapleton

Michael Harvey is un-fancied ahead of his December 9 clash with Kris Matthew Hughes, but claims he is an underdog that bites back and is planning an upset on the Scottish show.

The Belfast fighter is looking to dig out success against the Scottish champion in the Miners Welfare club in Cleland next month.

Harvey can only boast one win from his six pro fights, but is looking to double his victory tally before the year is out.

The 26 year old is up against it, however against the much more experienced Scot. Hughes is reigning Scottish champion and has challenged for the Commonwealth crown.

Harvey knows he will have to produce better than ever  if he is to beat the home fighter, but is ready to fight and hoping to a win can see him improve and progress to a higher level.

“I am the underdog again but this is a chance to open doors for me if I win. He is Scottish champion and has fought for a commonwealth title so I know he is good. I would love to win. I always want to win and fight to win,” Harvey told www.irish-boxing.com before claiming being away from home will suit rather than hinder him.

“I perform better away from home. Also if  you look at most guys I have fought they all have good records. Most times I put up a good fight especially considering  the notice I have got. I know I have to be at my best to beat this guy, but I am putting in hard work in gym. I am running at 5am before work and I have been over to Immaculate a couple times a week to get good spars.”

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By Jonny Stapleton

Seanie Monaghan claims the memory of his late friend will spur him on to victory as he fights on the biggest stage of his fledgling career this Saturday night.

The American born Irish fighter fights on a massive Madison Square Garden card for the first time in his flowering career hoping victory will help raise his growing profile further and move him up the rankings.

Losing isn’t an option or a possibility for the Irish title hopeful as he plans to win for his best friend and the man who brought him into boxing. According to Monaghan opponent Santos Martinez has no chance on the under card of the eagerly anticipated Antonio Margarito Miguel Cotto rematch.

“I am supremely confidant, especially for this fight. Not only am I fighting at the Garden but it’s the seven year anniversary of my best friend Bobby Calabrese’s murder. He was a brother to me and he’s the one that brought me to the boxing gym. He really believed in me and he’s been on my mind the whole training camp. I’m like a machine right now, my opponent has no chance in this fight,” Monaghan added.

It should prove a sombre moment for the Long Beach resident, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t excited ahead of the clash. Navan’s own pug’s talent obviously helped him secure a fight on the mega show, but he is quick to attribute some of his success to his loyal following.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be on the December 3rd card. I’ve been really blessed by the support my home town has shown me. Its enabled me to get on all the biggest fights because the promoters know I bring an army with me. Now its at the point where they can’t give us enough tickets to sell. We sold over 600 tickets for the last fight and we needed more but they didn’t have anymore. It’s a good problem to have.”

The former bricklayer has laid successful foundations to what many suggest has the potential to be a successful in 2011. He remained undefeated for ten fights and is adamant 2012 will be even better.

“2012 is going be another busy and exciting year for me. We’ve got offers on the table from all the biggest promoters here in the US. I stayed unsigned my first year so I could jump on any available fight card and it worked out great. I’m 10 and 0 and I have only been pro a little over a year. Now that I am going to be fighting 8 and 10 rounders I won’t be fighting every month so I might consider settling down and signing with a big name promoter. Hopefully this year I’ll get my first Vegas fight and my first Ireland fight. I’m working extremely hard and when the time comes, believe me I’ll be ready.”

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