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‘It’s going to be crazy’ – Owen Duffy predicts a derby worth fanfare

The battle between the fans may just be as exciting as the battle between the fighters suggests Owen Duffy [4(2)-1].

The Cavan fighter makes the step up to all Irish action as he faces Bray’s Eddie Tracey [2(1)-0] on the Leeside Revolution card set for Cork on July 20.

Duffy points out one of the perks of not facing journey man opposition is the general excitement around what promises to be an entertaining clash and the atmosphere that can be generated by a meeting of two Irish punchers.

Indeed the 25 year old predicts that fanfare will be amplified two of Ireland’s best supported early days fighters in the ring together.

‘The Butcher’ fought on the same Tallaght Stadium card as Tracey in February of this year and noted the Wicklow mans support was as ‘crazy’ as his- and as a result he expects a special atmosphere when the pair trade leather at the Neptune Stadium next month.

“I remember hearing his crowd in Tallaght, they’re as nuts as mine,” Duffy told Irish-boxing.com.

“Saturday July 20th is going to be crazy.”

Duffy also believes the fight has the potential to be something worth going crazy about. The all Irish element means both will come to secure victory and as a result provide a more entertaining fight for those in attendance.

It’s a prospect that excites the Cavan fighter. Indeed, he points out the idea of such a bout is the one that motivates fighters to train as hard as they do.

“I am really looking forward to this one. The step up, getting back in the ring, the atmosphere – it’s what us pros train full-time, all year round for,” he continues.

“The difference here from fighting a journeyman opposed to an all-Irish clash – a journeyman, nine times out of ten, is there to survive. Whereas someone, especially like Eddie, has stated that he cant wait to be involved in meaningful all-Irish contests.

“Two lads pushing for the hand to be raised as much as the other, the fans will enjoy this one.”

eddie Tracey Owen Duffy

Heading into a high profile fight that can open doors to domestic titles should provide extra motivation for Duffy, but the personal trainer claims he maintains a single minded focus when it comes to training regardless of who is the opposition is.

Although with so much on the line the excitement around putting in hard graft may be that little be different.

“Training-wise, nothing changes. The intensity are concentration levels are at its best. But, of course, the excitement of a big challenge is what gets me.”

With the advantages that come from having a long amateur career allied with more pro fight experience, Duffy is seen as the favourite in some quarters.

However, the fighter himself seems aware of what the eager to fight Tracey brings to the table.

“I know he’s an novice champion, semi-pro grad and had a Pro Debut of the Year award as a pro. He’s very good and, from what I can remember of him seeing him fight twice last year, he’s clever and quite strong.”

Still the fighter who trains in the Celtic Warriors Gym is confident he will register victory and set up a progressive 2019.

“I’ve got targets set out for myself in 2019. July 20th, hard work will pay off. 5-1 for ‘The Black Irish’. One step closer to my long term targets and title fights. Exciting year ahead.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

 

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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