Ormond Kevin Mitchell not made but could be on the cards

By Jonny Stapleton

Stephen Ormond has yet to sign a deal to fight Kevin Mitchell, but the fights could be on the cards for early 2012Ā according to his manager and trainer Pascal Collins.

Internet rumours have ā€˜The Rockā€™ fighting the well know English star in the York HallĀ on February 10 with the winner said to fight WBO interim lightweight champion Ricky Burns.

Perennial prospect Ormond would be keen to finally secure the chance to gatecrash the world top ten, but Collins is adamant the potential match up isnā€™t even at the detailed talks stage.

The duo had agreed to fight late last year, but out of the ring problems prevented the English fighter, who stopped recent world title challenger John Murray in his last bout, from facing the Irish star.

Collinā€™s admits the Frank Warren promoted Clondalkin native would love the fight but claims no decision will be made until this weekend.

ā€œThere is nothing guaranteed regarding that fight,ā€ Collinā€™s told www.irish-boxing.com. ā€œWe should know more by the weekend. I have to yet speak about the clash in any detail to Frank Warren. Again nothing is signed or guaranteed. Stephen has been off for the Christmas and is not in training.Ā  Originally we took the fight last September and I assume thatā€™s where the rumours are coming from. That fight fell through on Kevinā€™s end. We were then due to fight Carl Johanneson for the title Mitchell vacated, but that card was cancelled then. We wouldnā€™t mind fighting Carl again, but if Stephen wins people will say he beat an ageing fighter. There is way more to gain by fighting Mitchell you could get a top five ranking and is a massive name. However we will see how talks go this weekend and see if Frank wants to make Stephen Ormond Kevin Mitchell.ā€

Meanwhile Collinā€™s stressed another Celtic Gym member Ian Tims is training well ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

The Tank faces Fin Juho Haapoja in Finland for the EU Cruiserweight title in three weeks time and it has been training not turkey for the Irish champion over Christmas.

ā€œIan Tims is in tip top shape. He is looking excellent in the gym he has been training over December. He has a lot to gain and he is training to become a champion.ā€

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