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WBO European title shot for Jamie Kavanagh

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Jamie Kavanagh [20(10)-1(1)-1] will fight for his first title as a pro boxer on the MGM ‘Clash of the Clans’ card next month.

The 25 year old Dubliner will be looking to claim the WBO European lightweight title in front of his home fans on the February 6th show at the National Stadium.

‘The Nuisance’ will face experienced Portuguese boxer Antonio João Bento [30(18)-15(4)-1] at the famous South Circular Road venue for the belt.

39 year old Bento is a former holder of Inter-Continental straps with the IBF, WBA, and WBC as well as scoring a sixth-round stoppage win over former EU champ and Carl Frampton sparring partner Ruddy Encarnacion.

Additionally, the Iberian fighter has unsuccessfully challenged for European honours on four occasions (EBU x1, EBU-EU x3).

Bento’s only previous appearance on British or Irish shores saw him fall to an opening round knockout loss in 2012 to Tommy Coyle in Hull.

Following the announcement, Kavanagh explained that “I’m delighted with what has happened.”

“I’m looking forward to getting the chance to headline my first card in front of a home crowd on BoxNation.”

For those that dare to dream, a win will see the Irishman gain a World ranking with the WBO and this could mark him out as an opponent for the organisation’s champ, Terry Flanagan, or stable-mate Derry Matthews – who challenges for the belt next month.

The fight joins Phil Sutcliffe Jnr’s match-up with former European title challenger Alexandre Lepelley, and Gary Corcoran’s clash with Danny Butler as the confirmed bouts on the card.

Also featuring are Jamie Conlan, Peter McDonagh, Stephen Ormond, Declan Geraghty, Patrick Hyland, Sean Creagh, Craig O’Brien, Gary Sweeney, and Romeo Romaeo.

Tickets can be bough through the boxers involved or by clicking HERE.

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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