Boston win could propel Ormond toward Barthelemy World title shot

A massive fight with IBF lightweight champion Rances Barthelemy could be on offer if Stephen Ormond wins Stateside next week.

World title hopeful Ormond fights Marcus Jimenez for the IBF Intercontinental strap at the House of Blues, Boston on March 19.

Victory in that top of the bill clash would ensure ‘The Rock’ a World top 15 ranking and thus make him eligible to challenge the current custodian of the IBF belt.

Ormond’s Jimenez fight isn’t a World title eliminator, but there are suggestions coming out of America that ‘The Rock’ is being considered as a possible opponent for Cuban Barthelemy.

Barthelemy, who claimed the vacant strap by defeating Denis Shafikov in December, looks set to be afforded a voluntary defence and Ormond could benifit.

The former Irish amateur champions promoters Murphy’s Boxing have strong ties with PBC boss Al Haymon, who looks after the Cuban champ and their is talk a fight could be made.

Ormond will also have his eye on the WBO world title fight between Terry Flanagan and Derry Matthews this coming Saturday. He has already stated he wants the winner, plus if Matchroom and Eddie Hearn do elect to come back to Ireland and Belfast later in the year the Celtic Warrior Gym fighter’s chances of getting a shot at Anthony Crolla, who holds the WBA strap may go up from nome to slim.