Amateur stars added to Dunne bill
4 February 2009 – By Mark Doyle
Promoter Brian Peters has revealed that amateur stars Kenny Egan and Katie Taylor will both appear on the undercard of Bernard Dunnes world title clash with Ricardo Cordoba in Dublin next month.
In a historic development, the Irish Amateur Boxing Association have agreed to sanction the appearance of Olympic silver medallist Egan and two-time world amateur champion Taylor on the pro-am bill at the O2 Arena on March 21.
TheĀ IABA haveĀ also agreed for Beijing bronze medallist Paddy Barnes and world junior champion Ray Moylette toĀ box on what is expected to be the first of a number of Irish pro-am shows.Ā
Regarding Egan, the Neilstown light-heavyweight is hoping to secure a rematch with the man who defeated in him in Beijing last year, China’s Zhang Xiapoing.
“I’m keeping my fingers, toes and everything else crossed that it comes off,” the DublinerĀ admitted.
“The offer’s out there for him so hopefully he’s accept. It would show great sportsmanship on his part to come over and give me a rematch in Ireland.
“The last time I boxed him was in a huge venue full of Chinese so it would be nice to fight him in a huge venue over here full of Irish people this time!
“There’s no bad blood between us, though, and when all is said and done, he beat me in the Olympic final. He has the gold medal and I’ve no problem with that but it certainly would be nice to have another shot at him and this time on home ground.”
The identity of Taylor’s opponent remains unclear but the Bray woman is just looking forward to fighting in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd of 9,000 people.
“It’s a huge opportunity for me and it will be a tremendous experience,” he said.
“It’s really going to be a big night for Irish boxing and a great chance for me to perform on a big stage so I cannot wait.
“The atmosphere at Bernard’s fights is normally amazing so I can only imagine what it’s going to be like at The O2. I’m sure it will be jammed.”
Meanwhile, Peters revealed that undefeated Cavan lightweight Andy Murray and four-weight Irish champion Jim Rock haveĀ also been added to the professional half of the ten-fightĀ bill.
Of course, theĀ evening’s main event will pit hometown favourite and former European super-bantamweight champion DunneĀ against WBAĀ championĀ Cordoba.
