Fights we want to see

19 August 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

Irish-boxing.com takes a look at some of the all-Irish clashes that we would like to see in the next year.

James Moore v Henry Coyle

Whether this little beauty is for an Irish title or not is irrelevant. This is a fight that has so much needle and history that it is sure to catch the imagination of the fans. Both boxers are coming off defeats, Moore to the fleet-footed Yuri Foreman and Coyle to the power-punching Neil Sinclair. Moore, for his part, was slated to square off with Sinclair, but with that fight falling through a clash with old rival Coyle becomes a possibility.

This is the epitome of a crossroads fight and one that really shouldnt be allowed to pass us by. Whether Team Moore and Team Coyle can come to agreeable terms on the fight remains to be seen, but there are plenty of people out there who want to see it happen.

John Duddy v Andy Lee

Two years ago it seemed a sure thing that John Duddy and/or Andy Lee would have fought for the World middleweight title by this stage. However, mixed performances have seen both men lose their unbeaten records and both are now looking to rebuild. A fight between the duo remains a major attraction and would also bolster the winners chances to secure a European or even World title tilt. Recent media reports have indicated that negotiations have taken place in a bid to put the fight together, whether this happens remains to be seen, but we wait with baited breath.

Stephen Haughian v John ODonnell

A clash between Irish welterweight champion Haughian and Commonwealth champion ODonnell is something most of us believed would have already taken place by now. The duo look well matched and with Haughian having developed a sizeable fanbase. a clash between the two would be strong enough to feature either as chief support on an O2/Kings Hall/Odyssey bill or indeed as a main event in its own right at a venue such as the Ulster Hall.

Kevin OHara v Oisin Fagan

Two boxers who always put it all on the line. OHara v Fagan at super-featherweight would be a belter. Having worked together in Breens gym in Belfast the duo will know each others abilities well and with both men coming off defeats in title fights, a match-up between the two would offer the winner the opportunity to get right back into the mix.

Martin Lindsay v Patrick Hyland

British champion Lindsay against Irish champion Hyland would make for a massive event, either in Belfast or Dublin. Lindsay won the Lonsdale belt in spectacular fashion with a stoppage victory in April, whilst Hyland has further enhanced his reputation by picking up the IBF international belt. What is for sure is that both men have ability above their current standings and with both ranked by the IBF a clash between the two could help set up a World title shot for the winner.

Martin Rogan v Tyson Fury

Regardless of the outcome of Rogan’s rematch with Sam Sexton, a clash between The Entertainer and Tyson Fury would make a wonderful event. In the past Fury has said that Rogan is the only boxer on the British and Irish scene that he rates, whilst the Englishman of Irish stock is rapidly climbing the ranks. Facing Rogan either in a Commonwealth or Irish title fight would certainly sell tickets and attract major tv backing.