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Spike to head to Mexico to chase Munguia-Hogan winner


It’s Boston this weekend and Mexico this time next month as Spike O’Sullivan [29(20)-3(2)] wracks up the kind of frequent flyer miles that the Aer Lingus loving Celtic Warriors Gym often talk about in a bid to get a shot at a light middleweight world title.

The former middleweight contender moved down a class following his September world title final eliminator defeat to David Lemieux and returned with a victory over Gabor Gorbics in Mayo at the end of the year.

The Cork fighter will look cement light middleweight contender status at his home away from home on Saturday by defeating local dangerman Khairy Gray on the by now famed Murphys Boxing ‘St Patrick’s Clash’ series.

If and when the job is done Stateside, the Mahon man will look to head down Mexico way to take in the April 13th WBO light middleweight title fight between champion and Golden Boy stablemate Jaime Munguia and challenger and countryman Dennis Hogan.

O’Sullivan may want to be ringside for the DAZN-broadcast bout to for a call out, but securing a shot at the title seems a real possibility regardless.

Paul Keegan of DDP, Hogan’s promoter, has more than once told Irish-Boxing.com that, if they takes the title, a Dublin defense against ‘Spike’ will be top of their wish list.

Additionally, O’Sullivan claims there have already been talks with regard to a fight with fellow Golden Boy fighter Munguia.

Ahead of his Boston bout, the 34-year-old told Irish-Boxing.com that “after this, I’ll be looking for the winner of Munguia and Hogan. I’ll prob head to Mexico to be ringside for they’re fight. Packie [Collins, manager and trainer] has been speaking with Golden Boy about fighting Munguia if he wins.”

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Before he can even dream of a world title shot, O’Sullivan must win on a card that includes Niall Kennedy as well as an intriguing fight between Noel Murphy and John Joyce in Boston on Saturday.

He predicts opponent Gray will be slick and capable but welcomes the fact he will come to win unlike the Hungarian survival specialist he fought last time out. 

O’Sullivan explained that “I know he’s a slick boxer that likes to move I expect him to put up a good challenge and the fact he comes to win does give me more opportunity to impress.”

“It’s the closest thing to a home fight for me and I have made many good friends here over the years and it’s always great to have friends at ringside

Down at light middleweight, O’Sullivan is feeling in good shape and notes how “camp has been good and, yes, I believe I’ll make it without major struggle.”

“I feel quicker and more lively.”

That said, while 154lbs is the optimum weight and the winner of Munguia-Hogan the obvious target, O’Sullivan is keeping his options open.

With Golden Boy, along with Matchroom and GGG Promotions, alligned to the DAZN platform and all the 160lbs belts falling under this banner, the popular Munster man is refusing to rule out a return to middleweight.

“Why not? I’ve always said I have gloves, will travel, anywhere, anytime and fight anyone.”

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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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