Big Bang Wants Taylor’s Torch
Pierce O’Leary says he is ready to step into the light created by the torch Katie Taylor has carried so well.
The Irish Icon will have her last dance on September 5 and will bring the curtain down on one of boxing’s most influential careers in Croke Park.
Dubliner O’Leary is waiting in the wings with his dancing shoes on and is adamant he is ready to take centre stage.
‘Big Bang’ says he is primed and poised to become Irish boxing’s leading light once Ireland’s greatest sports star calls it a day.
Speaking at a press conference to officially confirm his August 1, 3 Arena hosted Mark Chamberlain bout, the boxer, who, like Taylor, is managed by Brian Peters, said: “Katie’s last dance is soon, Once she retires and hands me the torch again, and that’s two torches I have from Steve Collins and Katie, I’ll be running forward.””I’m ready and feel like I’m going to just kick on. I’m here now. I’m living the dream and it’s everything that I ever wanted at one point.”
August 1 is the European Champion’s second on home soil. He co-featured alongside an Anthony Cacace and Jazza Dickens world title fight down by the Dublin Docklands in March and headlines alone this summer.
The Sheriff Street native is happy to take the pressure that comes with being the star attraction and is confident his shoulders are big enough to carry a card.
Indeed, he hopes to lead a strong Dublin revival and create regular work for local fighters moving forward.
“We can just keep the momentum going and keep the train going,” he said.
“It gives everyone else a chance, all the fighters coming up, to build on home ground rather than going up and down countries all over Europe to fight just to build a record.”
Coming to ruin the Dublin Dockland graduates’ capital dreams is Mark Chamberlain O’Leary certainly hopes he tries.
The English fighter was initially scheduled to trade leather with the Inner City operator in March but pulled out at late notice, much to the home fighters’ frustration.
“I didn’t think this fight would happen but he’s been given his chance and I don’t think he deserved it. I hope he will turn up and I wish him a fantastic camp.”
If Chamberlain does opt out a second time, there is plenty of light welterweight cover. Sean McComb, who has been calling for a Dublin – Belfast bout with O’Leary, will appear on the bill. Gary Cully who also fancies a shot at the headliner, faces Limerick southpaw Lee Reeves on the card, while Senan Kelly, who can fight at the weight, is in with Queensberry prospect Steven Cairns.
