IRISH-BOXING.COM

BURNETT INSPIRED BY FRAMPTON

Jonny Stapleton — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:01:23 +0000

RYAN BURNETT says he’s going to follow the blueprint set by fellow Belfast-native Carl Frampton in his attempts to get to the top.

The pair trained together under the legendary Gerry Storey at the Holy Family Golden Gloves Boxing Club as amateurs and have remained firm friends.

Frampton now sits on the verge of world title shot despite having only 16 pro fights, and Burnett sees no reason why he can’t follow The Jackal’s lead.

“Carl Frampton is a big inspiration to me because I used to train with him and I’ve seen how he’s got so far so quickly,” Ryan, 21, said.

“Me and Carl have done a lot of work together in the lead up to his fights and he’s always been great. It’s something I’ve learned a lot from.

“I look at him and think ‘he’s from Belfast and he’s done it so I can as well’. He’s shown me what you can do and I want to follow the same path.”

Earlier this year Frampton began selling out shows at Belfast’s stunning Odyssey Arena and Burnett hopes to one day do the same.

In the meantime, he will make his first professional appearance in his home city on a show promoted in association with Jane Wilton at Holiday Inn on June 28.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in front of a home crowd,” he said. “It’s been a while since I last boxed in Belfast so I’m expecting a very big turn-out.

“It’s earlier days and I’m taking things step by step, but my long-term plan is to build up good support in Belfast on these kinds of shows and then one day sell out the Odyssey Arena like Carl has.”

Kronk fighters ready to crank it up on Holiday Inn show

Jonny Stapleton — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:51:44 +0000

It has been an amazing debut season for the Poleglass protégé James “The Baby Faced Assassin” Tennyson. The 19 year old puncher has had 7 impressive wins (6KO) in 7 outings since he turned professional in September last year bagging an Irish Title in the division above his fighting weight.

Kronk Gym Mates Tennyson and McShane

James is now odds on with most boxing pundits to lift the prestigious Boxing Writers “Prospect of the Year”

“Tenny” -as his growing army of fans know him by- now sits at number 7 in the British Featherweight rankings.

The Belfast teens next and final outing of the 2012/2013 professional boxing season promises to be his most exciting and toughest to date when he takes on Andrei Hramyka W10 (9KO) 3 draws against 6 defeats at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Ave, Belfast, June 28th

Fellow Belfast Kronk boxer Daniel “Insane” McShane W4 (2KO) makes is long awaited ring return after picking up an injury in Dundalk in March when he looks to continue to improve against Ivan Levickis of Latvian.

Big things are expected from the boxing barber in the latter half of the year as he looks to impress and force his way into a title shot before the year.
Top of the bill features East Belfast’s Luke Wilton who pushes for a rematch with British & Commonwealth Champion Kevin Satchell. Wilton defends his British Masters Super Flyweight Crown against Usman Ahmed.

Mathew Wilton goes for his first title when he faces Ideh Ochuko for the British Masters Bronze Light- Welterweight title over 8X3 rounds

The Jane Wilton/Ricky Hatton co promoted bill will also feature the Belfast professional debut of Olympic Youth gold medallist Ryan Burnett (North Belfast) and the world rated Bantamweight Zhanat Zhakiyanov of Kazakhstan.
Doors open 7pm first fight 7.30pm tickets £30.00

Fury remains on schedule to break Mike Tyson’s record

Jonny Stapleton — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:30:02 +0000

Heavyweight star Hughie Lewis Fury is on schedule to break Mike Tyson’s record after another dominant win.

The 6’7” teenager outboxed and outclassed the experienced Tomas Mrazek to take a unanimous decision in his first six-round fight.

“I felt good, I just paced myself and just boxed. I was just keeping behind the left jab and I enjoyed it,” Hughie said.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been six rounds and I’m glad, it’s a good learning fight for me.”

Hughie faced Czech Republic fighter Mrazek, the man who took Sam Sexton, Gregory Tony, Mariusz Wach and his older cousin Tyson Fury the distance, at the Epic Centre, Norwich on Saturday night.

Utilising his slick movement and boxing skills Hughie picked off the tough Czech Republican with the left jab from the first round.

Taking his time, Hughie measured his shots to land a succession of jabs before concentrating on lefts and rights to the body.

Mrazek looked game and had certainly come to win, closing down the space and throwing right hands.

But Hughie, who fought just seven days ago at Glow, Bluewater, was too fast, using his quick feet and head movement to avoid and counter with fury – landing sickening shots to the body that clearly hurt his opponent.

In the fourth Hughie had his man in real trouble, landing a solid right to the head before again concentrating fire on the body.

Smashing rights and lefts landed as Hughie looked for the stoppage, only for the bell to come to Mrazek’s rescue.

Keeping his composure and looking experienced beyond his years, Hughie went back to boxing and was patient as he looked for his openings – using his left jab to set up heavy rights.

Another solid overhand right left Mrazek covering up on the ropes as Hughie clubbed away at him and by the final bell it was clear there was only one winner.

“At the end of the day, what am I learning by knocking people out? It’s good, but it’s not teaching me,” Hughie said.

“I’m glad I got the six rounds out and I learnt a lot from that fight – more experience and I can’t wait for the next one. I tell you what he (Mrazek) is a solid guy – he’s had 54 fights now and it’s only my sixth – it’s a good step up for me and a nice boxing display and that’s all I wanted to do, just box.

“He got wobbled in the fourth round, but after that I just went back to my boxing, there’s no point going for someone who’s a very durable fighter, so I just kept to my boxing and enjoyed it. All this week I’ve been training hard, I’ve not had one day break, so it’s been good.”

Hughie now boasts six straight wins since his debut in March, with four knockouts and the 18-year-old has his eyes focussed on Iron Mike Tyson’s infamous record.

“Keep following me and every fight you see I’ll keep improving and improving,” Hughie said.

“Thanks for all of your support and I will be the youngest heavyweight champion of the world, guaranteed.”

Quigg: Warren’s £200,000 offer was just a publicity stunt

Jonny Stapleton — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:21:44 +0000

SCOTT QUIGG says his immediate focus is on becoming world champion rather than defeating Carl Frampton.

Warren says Hearn turned down big offer to make Frampton Quigg in September

The British super bantamweight champion also dismissed Frank Warren’s recent offer to make the eagerly anticipated domestic dust up as ‘a publicly stunt’.

Frampton versus Quigg talk reared its heads this week as both were in the news, Frampton for leaving Matchroom to fight on Boxnation and Quigg for joining forces with Eddie Hearn and Sky.

Some suggest the move has made the much hyped fight impossible to make. WBA interim champ Quigg disagrees, but believes both he and ‘The Jackal’ should focus on making themselves World champion before making the most talked about fight outside Tyson Fury David Haye.

“People think that but not in my opinion,” Quigg told RingTV when asked if the bout of promotional musical chairs has made the fight harder to make.

“It’s good for me and it’s good for Carl because there will be plenty of money on offer when it gets made as both promoters will want to stage it. Carl and I both are on the cusp of fighting for a word title and if one of us, or both of us, can get a title then Quigg vs. Frampton becomes a super fight.

“At the end of the day I’m in this sport to win a world championship and I’m in touching distance of doing that, so I’m not worried about Carl Frampton right now. If I wasn’t as close to securing my shot then the fight would probably be made but it will happen when it makes sense.”

Frank Warren and Frampton don’t seem to think there is a need to wait. ‘The Jackal’ has always expressed his desire to trade leather with Quigg and believes the only reason the fight hasn’t been made is because of a reluctance on Quigg’s coach Joe Gallaghers part.

Whilst Frank Warren offered the former Hatton Promotions fighter £200,000 to come to Belfast in September.

Quigg, however doesn’t believe that offer was serious and feels Warren offered it in a bid to gain publicity for his new leading light.

“I’d just signed with Matchroom so this was clearly a publicity stunt. Two days before I signed Carl was saying he was going to fight in October, over in Ireland, and then suddenly Frank Warren wants him to fight me in September? Next thing Barry McGuigan is the promoter, not Frank Warren, so I don’t know what’s going on and I wish them all the best. I have nothing but respect for Carl Frampton but when the fight gets made I’m 100% confident that I’ll beat him.”

Rogan revises wish list- wants Sexton, Chisora and Corbett

Jonny Stapleton — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:10:15 +0000

MARTIN Rogan has compiled a more realistic fight wish list as he bids to continue his heavyweight career.

The Belfast favourite, 41 recently revealed he was far from retired and shocked Irish fight fans when he stated he wanted to fight one of the Klitschko brothers in Croke Park.

‘The Entertainer’ has since changed his tune and put forward more achievable fight goals, targeting Sam Sexton revenge, a bout with former world title challenger Dereck Chisora and a local derby with Darren Corbett.

Corbett might be the least known of the three and was completely out of shape the last time he took to the ring, but the history between the pair- Corbett has long since claim he dropped ‘Big Roggie’ in sparring- would make for an Interesting dust.

Speaking to the Belfast Newsletter Rogan said:

“I want to face Sam Sexton again, I want to fight Dereck Chisora and I want to knock-out Darren Corbett.

“Those are the guys I want to take care of first and then we will see what is next?” said Rogan.

‘Big Roggie’ does everything large- and despite revising his short term goals the former Commonwealth title still dreams big.

“At this moment in time I am ranked six in Britain and I am ranked 44 in the World.

“I will fight anyone and I want a shot at the British and Commonwealth titles.

“They seem to be vacant at the minute and I want to get my hands on them,” he added.

Rogan says he has started getting into shape for his next outing.

“I have been training away and I have added a bit of a gym onto the side of the house.

“I will be ready to go when the opportunity arises, but I want to face Sexton, Chisora and I want to knock Corbett out,” he added.

Steve Collins Jr hopes to exceed expectations

Jonny Stapleton — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:34:09 +0000

WHEN the ring announcer belts out the name ‘Steve Collins’ in London on July 5 and Dundalk on July 12 expectations amongst those in attendance will immediately rise.

Son of a Legend

The Collin’s name is synonymous with sport and particularly boxing in Ireland and Steve Collin’s is a name associated with grit, determination and world class fighting talent.

So without questions when Steve Collin’s Jr, the son of Irish boxing legend Steve Collins, punches for pay for the first time this summer people will be expecting quality.

That weight of expectation shouldn’t burden the shoulders of Collin’s Jr considering the Lansdowne Rugby player has never fought as a amateur and has no real fight history.

However, rather than shy from it the cruiserweight, who bravely takes on tricky journey man Moses Matovu in just his second pro bout, has embraced it and says he wants to exceed that perceive promise when he takes up the family business over the coming months.

“I hope I exceed everyone’s expectations. I am really looking forward to the challenge,” Collins said before explaining his decision to turn pro.

“In the off season of rugby I used to go to my uncles gym (Celtic Warrior Gym) and this year I was sparring seasoned pro’s like Ian Tims and he (Pascal Collins) said ‘I think you have talent, maybe you should give it a shot’.

“I just say why not? I get great sparring with Ian Tims and I have gotten in with lads like Stephen Reynolds and they all hit hard. I am finding it ok. I am very lucky to the standard of these lads. I am Really looking forward to the show now.”

Conrad Cummings heading to Miami

Jonny Stapleton — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:53:55 +0000

CONRAD Cummins is lining up a summer trip to Miami- not to party Will Smith style, but to see if Florida is the place to begin a professional fight career.

Cummings still considers pro offer

Cummings, one of those ‘suited to the pros’ amateurs, has been offered pro terms by a Florida based promoter, but a number of weeks ago told Irish-boxing.com he would take as much time as he needs before deciding whether to ditch the vest and punch for pay or not.

It seems time hasn’t helped Belfast middleweight, who impressed in the WSB with the Mexico Guerreros, make up his mind and he plans to explore his options further.

The Holy Trinity puncher believes a trip to Miami where the promoter courting his affections is based might help him come to a decision.

“I still haven’t fully decided what my next move is, whether to turn professional or not. I’ve had a few weeks to reflect, but still haven’t came to a concrete decision. What’s been proposed to me is to go over for a while in the near future to see the set up and where I would be training and so fort. I will get the chance to discuss the contract in detail and see what Miami has to offer me!”

July 12 Battle of Boyne Card in Full

Jonny Stapleton — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:59:09 +0000

Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, Ireland
	middleweight	Anthony Fitzgerald	SC	Eamonn O’Kane	10
	welterweight	Paddy Murphy	SC	Michael Kelly	8
	super flyweight	Jamie Conlan	SC	TBA	8
	light welterweight	Philip Sutcliffe Jnr	SC	TBA	8
	light welterweight	Jamie Kennedy	SC	Brandon Peake	6
	heavyweight	Hughie Fury	SC	Darren Corbett	6
	cruiserweight	Steve Collins Jnr	SC	Moses Matovu	4

Hearn won’t be coming back to Ireland-McCloskey turns down Woodhouse

Jonny Stapleton — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:43:14 +0000

PROMOTER Eddie Hearn will not be returning to Ireland after spliting with Carl Frampton according to Paul McCloskey.

McCloskey turns down Woodhouse bout

As a result ‘Dudey’s’ proposed IBO welterweight title fight with Chris Van Heerden has been thrown into considerable doubt.

Derry favourite revealed had agreed to face the South African in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast in September, but McCloskey has now revealed his frustration as the potential clash looks dead in the water.

Speaking to World Boxing News the former European Champion said:

“I have been training hard and have been ready to fight since March this year. I had a few minor issues that prevented me fighting in February and Matchroom told me to get ready for fighting in Belfast in May,” McCloskey explained.

“My date then became June or July, but last week, after the McGuigan/Frampton situation, Eddie informed my team that Sky will not be coming back to Ireland for now.”

McCloskey, who has been highlighted as a possible undercard star on Frampton’s Boxnation broadcast Belfast bouts, also revealed he turned down a fight with Curtis Woodhouse.

“The only fight he could offer me in the short term was a ten rounder in Hull against Curtis Woodhouse. No disrespect to Curtis but this fight would not help my career in any way and I wanted to take up the Van Heerden offer in Belfast.

“I have now informed Matchroom that I will not be taking the fight in Hull and I may be sidelined for now, but that won’t stop me achieving my goals.”

Dennis Hogan comes back with a bang

Jonny Stapleton — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:28:10 +0000

IT didn’t take Dennis Hogan long to get back in the swing of things after his 10-month spell out of the ring with a neck injury.

The light middleweight Queensland champion secured victory with a second-round TKO of Thailand’s Khomkeaw Sithsaithong at Brisbane’s Fortitude Stadium on Saturday night.

Having proved his fitness ‘The Hurricane’ will now reset his sights on the Irish and Australian titles.