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Intercontinental title shot for World title-chasing Stephen Ormond

Stephen Ormond [20(11)-2(0] has been given the opportunity to secure a valuable spot in the World rankings next month.

It has been announced that the Clondalkin fighter will face Miguel Jiminez for the IBF Inter-Continental lightweight title at the House of Blues in Boston on March 19th.

32 year old Ormond was due to fight at the cancelled National Stadium show this weekend in a warm-up bout, but ‘The Rock’ will now instead jump straight into the title fight on the U.S East Coast.

Jiminez carries a 21(14)-6(3) record into the ring and the 31 year old from the Dominican Republic has shared the ring with some top contenders.

‘El Tigre’ has suffered losses in recent years to Anthony Peterson, Carlos Molina, and Diego Magdaleno among others, and Ormond will be looking to make a statement against the Caribbean fighter.

Indeed, if such a statement can be made, there are signs that there could be big fights in the pipeline for the Dubliner.

Ormond and trainer Paschal Collins had previously signalled that he would be moving up to light welterweight unless he was to receive a title shot. Therefore this clash suggests that his team have secured an avenue to a World title fight at lightweight against IBF champ, and fellow Al Haymon boxer, Rances Barthelemy of Cuba.

Ahead of the bout, Ormond’s promoter Ken Casey revealed that “This is only the first step for Stephen Ormond in 2016. After he wins the IBF Intercontinental championship we will be working hard to secure him a major world championship fight.”

“This is going to be such a great night, House of Blues Boston, St. Patrick’s weekend, Stephen fighting the main event, the Dropkick Murphys playing, multiple championship fights, all at one show, how can you miss it?”

The Murphy’s Boxing ‘St Patrick’s Clash’ card also features Ormond’s Celtic Warriors team-mates Niall Kennedy and Steve Collins Jr, as well as a live acoustic performance from the Dropkick Murphys.

TICKETS FOR SAINT PATRICK’S CLASH ARE AVAILABLE NOW AT MURPHYSBOXING.COM, LIVENATION.COM OR BY VISITING THE HOUSE OF BLUES TICKET WINDOW. TICKETS PRICED AT $40 FOR GA, $100 FOR RESERVED BOX SEATS AND $250 FOR VIP RINGSIDE.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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