Back With a Bang- and on the back foot?
By Jonny Stapleton
Willie Casey will make his eagerly awaited comeback in the King’s Hall this Saturday night on the back foot.
Big Bang’s confidence hasn’t been shot by his world title defeat to Guillermo Rigondeaux nor is he worried about taking heavy shots after being stopped in round one of his clash with the Cuban regarded the greatest amateur of all time.
He is however, planning to ditch he renowned come forward all out war style for a more refined boxing approach.
Casey claims he has added some flair to his fight and believes his new approach will put him place for a second European title fight in the New Year.
The Limerick man takes step one on a journey that he hopes will lead back to a continental clash in a very exciting super bantamweight division and is very excited about appearing on the under card of Tyson Fury’s Belfast debut.
“I am excited to be back on such a great card. I wanted to get back as soon as possible. I have been working hard. I have been learning lots of things in McCullaugh’s Gym in Belfast. Don’t be surprised to see a new Willie Casey,” Casey told Mirror Sport.
“Don’t be shocked to see me on the back foot. Willie Casey and boxing off the back foot boxing might not sound right together but wait and see. It might take a few fights to get it right and my opponent sounds like the perfect opponent to employ the new style. I have three fights then its all out after the European title fight, whoever has it.”
Despite affording himself a glance three fights down the line the Southill Slugger isn’t not looking past the examination that will be provided by the experience Daniel Kodjo.
Casey specifically asked manager Gary Hyde for stern test and the Cork based manager certainly provided stiff opposition.
Kodjo has been in with the best in Brittan and Ireland having gone the distance with Patrick Hyland, Scott Quigg and Joe Murray, beat European title challenger
Arsen Martirosyan and is a veteran of over 50 fights.
The former European champion is aware he will have to be at his best to win and is training in the knowledge that his experienced foe has had more time to prepare for this fight than any other and has an opportunity to get into Ebu contention.
“I said from the start I didn’t want a handy fight to come back with. If I stop this lad in a few rounds people will know its because of what I did rather than what he couldn’t. Kodjo is a good fighter with a strong record. He isn’t taking this fight last minute and he has a chance to get a decent ranking. He will be prepared and he wants to win. He wants to make a statement and that what I wanted. I can’t wait now,” Casey added.
The Limerick banger had the chance to take a short cut back the top of the European title after he was offered a chance to fight Carl Frampton for the EBU crown on last week’s Odyssey card.
However, the 28 year old elected to stick to his three come back fight game plan.
“I really wanted that fight when I first heard about it. I was geared to take it, but talking to my team we decided to wait. We have three fights lined up before the New Year and we are not in a rush. We will be ready for anyone in the division come next January.”
