Monaghan seeking Irish title shot on March 17
By Jonny Stapleton
Seanie Monaghan will come to Ireland seeking an Irish title fight this summer if he doesn’t get the chance to fight for the green belt in Madison Square Garden on March 17.
The undefeated Long Beach prospect is only other Irish fighter (of a rumoured eight) outside of Andy Lee and Matthew Macklin officially confirmed on Lou DiBella’s Patrick’s Day fight festival.
The fan favourite, who claims to represent Navan in the ring, had been talking to Ciaran Healy re an Irish light heavyweight title fight and was keen to buckle that belt around his waits in the famous arena on such a fitting day.
However, it seems either Paddy McDonagh or John Waldron will be in possession of the crown the 30 year old desires come March 17-and there are now rumours Monaghan will joust jabs in a non title clash with Michael ’The Storm’ Sweeney.
Regardless of who his next potential victim maybe Monaghan is sure what he wants his next prize to be.
“I’ve got my eyes on that Irish Title, if i don’t get it March 17th il come to Ireland this summer and get it,“ Monaghan told www.irish-boxing.com. “Its hard to say how close the fight with Ciaran Healy is to happening. It is a fight that I would love, but the financial negotiations are not under my control. From what I hear Team Healy understandably want a lot of money to come all the way out here and their price might be out of the promoters price range, as of now they’re still trying to strike a deal.”
Monaghan’s career has moved steadily along since he made his debut in 2010. He is unbeaten in 11 bouts and could make that 11 against Billy Bailey in New York this weekend. The New York favourite is a big ticket seller and is beginning to catch the eye of big promoters of late.
Despite fighting in MSG previously the Irish prospect has yet to experience anything like fighting on the under card of Sergio Martinez and Matthew Macklin’s world title bout.
Monaghan, however, is excited rather than scared about appearing on the March 17 ‘monster card‘.
“I’m extremely excited to be on this monster card at MSG on St. Paddys day, the Martinez/ Macklin fight is going be something special. I can’t wait to see how it goes, Martinez is a hell of a fighter and a class act but I am rooting for Matthew. Hopefully I will be doing some sparring with Matthew while he’s training here in NYC,“ Monaghan added.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my young career to be on a few big fight cards. This will be my 4th time in the Garden but I think this fight card will be something special. The atmosphere in the Garden on St Paddys day with Macklin going for the World Title and Andy Lee on the undercard is going be insane. I will have my Long Beach army with me too so it should be interesting.”
Seen as he is has passed the 30 years of age milestone Monaghan isn’t keen to hang around. He looks to be tested in every fight. March 17 will be no different and he is expecting a tough bout.
“Every fight is more important than the last, DiBella is known for matching guys up tough so I’m expecting to have a real fight on my hands. I look up to guys like Andy and Matthew and when I see the calibre of guys they’re fighting and how well they handle it, it gives me confidence to do the same as I step up in my career.”
