Headline News

Spike O’Sullivan set to headline ESPN card against former world title challenger


Spike O’Sullivan [25(17)-2(1)] looks set for another massive fight.

Irish-Boxing.com understands that the big-punching Cork middleweight is close to having a major Stateside scrap with a former world title challenger confirmed.

Recently U.S. promotional giant Golden Boy embarked on a new partnership with ESPN, committing to 42 fight cards shown live over two years. The first of these was headlined by Donegal’s Jason Quigley against Glen Tapia, and now another Irish middleweight is set to headline another big card.

The ESPN cameras will head to Boston for a card on Saturday September 30th, live on the Spanish-language ESPN Deportes channel, and reliable sources have informed Irish-Boxing.com that O’Sullivan is in advanced negotiations to face two-time world title challenger Gabe Rosado [23(13)-11(4)].

The 31 year old Philly puncher was stopped in the seventh and the tenth respectively in world title challenges against Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin. In his most recent fight, in Liverpool in April, Rosado lost a contentious points decision to Martin Murray and he has previously faced the likes of Willie Monroe, Jermell Charlo, and David Lemieux

Around the time of this fight O’Sullivan stated his desire to face either, and the Murphys Boxing man may do so in just over five weeks time if terms can be finalised.

The Leesider has fought twice so far this year, both in Boston, stopping Ronald Montes in the third back in March and following this up with a stunning second round knockout of Chauncey Fields in May.

33 year old O’Sullivan is already in camp for this fight date and will feature on the show regardless of whether a deal can be reached with Rosado. The card will also include Mayo gym-mate Ray Moylette [5(2)-0], while Derry light middleweight Connor Coyle [5(2)-0] may also potentially feature.

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

gym trition

frayne carpentry

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

x