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Opponent Scout Report: July 15th-16th

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This weekend there are both title and television fights for Irish boxers abroad.

As we do every Thursday, Irish-Boxing.com takes its weekly look at the men who will be manning the opposition corner.

Friday July 15th
Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh, PA
Matt Conway [6(3)-0] – Light Welterweight
Sweet Child faces Virginian Chrisshawn Alexander [4(2)-2(1)] over 6 rounds.
– Record: Started off his career with a four-fight win streak in 2013,before two losses, the second of which was a first round stoppage. All against poor opposition
– Style: Languid, backfoot boxer. Snappy jab. Hands held low.
– Video: A loss in the amateurs to Marvin Johnson.
– Verdict: Conway’s toughest test of his young career so far.
A good opponent.

Saturday July 16th
Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Ryan Doyle [12(7)-1(1)-1] – Featherweight
Ruthless Ryan takes on Ian Bailey [13(5)-18(4)-1] over ten for the English title.
– Record: Has gone the distance with Carl Frampton, James Tennyson, Ryan Walsh, Josh Warrington (twice), Jon Slowey, and Kid Galahad. Has also caused some shocks, defeating Lewis Pettitt [then 8(3)-0], Lee Martin [then 6(0)-0], and of course Doyle himself [then 9(5)-0].
– Style: Although physically small, Bailey is durable, smart, and has a nice skill set.
– Video: His tenth round stoppage win over Doyle in 2014.
– Verdict: A title fight and a chance for revenge.
A good opponent.

Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff
Jamie Conlan [16(10)-0] – Super flyweight
The Mexican takes on Czechian Patrik Bartos [7(6)-9(4)] over 8 rounds
– Record: Recently won the Czech super bantam title with a fifth round stoppage of Nikolas Botos [then 0-2(2)]. Record in Britain is 0-6(4), although recently went the full eight with Jamie Williams [then 6(3)-1(0)-1]
– Style: Rugged squat southpaw, throws huge counters.
– Video: A third round stoppage loss to Sam Cantwell (whom he knocked down in the preceding round).
– Verdict: Not the quality of opponent the World title-chasing Conlan would have hoped for. However there are admittedly a lack of British-based potential opponents for him to defend his Commonwealth belt against.
Not a good opponent.

Tyrone McKenna [9(3)-0-1] – Welterweight
The Might Celt fights Plymouth’s Chris Adaway [4(0)-16(4)-2] over six.
– Record: Gave Romeo Romaeo an almighty scare last year and last weekend went eight with prospect Idris Hill.
– Style: High activity and attacking, founded mostly on his long loose jab. Wings his punches slightly.
– Video: A harsh 38:39 loss to Ryan Bennett last year.
– Verdict: While he is coming up in weight, Adaway is probably McKenna’s toughest opponent thus far and a good opportunity to show how much he has developed out in Marbella.
A good opponent.

Gary Sweeney [1(1)-0] – Cruiserweight
The Gallant takes on Slovak Marek Gabor [0-5(0)] over four.
– Record: Never been stopped and has gone six rounds twice against average opposition.
– Style: Cagey, hard to hit, but no real attacking finesse. Likes to throw the lead right.
– Video: His professional debut against Robert Blazo
– Verdict: Durable foe for the Galway youngster ..
A good opponent.

York Hall, London
Luke Watkins [8(5)-0] – Cruiserweight
The Duke faces Lithainian Dmitrij Kalinovskij [9(4)-22(8)-2] over six.
– Record: Started his career as soon as he turned 18 at Welterweight but has grown up to the 200lb mark. Debut opponent of Eamonn O’Kane. His nine victories come against opponents with a combined record of 2(0)-8(1).
– Style: 6’5″ now. Doesn’t use his height too his advantage as much as he could, little snap on his punches, and can be physically manhandled.
– Video: No footage available of him since he put some meat on his bones. 2012 points loss at middleweight to Darren Codona.
– Verdict: A stay busy opponent for Watkins after his big win last month, but one which could be blown away inside a round.
Not a good opponent.

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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