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Celtic Clash 4 – Undercard Update


The ‘Celtic Clash 4’ bill looks set to round off one of the busiest years of pro boxing in recent Irish history, and the card at the National Stadium on December 2nd is promising to be a Christmas Cracker.

Following his headline displays against Laszlo Horvath and Dai Davies on Celtic Clash 2 and 3, Eric Donovan [5(3)-0] once again headlines the Boxing Ireland and Tony Davitt show at the National Stadium in Dublin.

‘Lilywhite Lightning’ will defend his BUI Celtic title won against Davies in the feature bout of the card, taking on Spaniard Juan Luis Gonzalez. Also confirmed in the initial announcement last month was an eight-round fight for Balbriggan’s Crank Whitehouse.

Over the past few weeks a number of other fighters have been confirmed for the bill which may break records in terms of the number of fighters appearing. Since the initial announcement of the card, a further eleven fighters have been added to the show.

Appearing in an eight-round bout will be Tallaght light welter Sean Creagh [6(2)-1(1)]. A veteran of the previous two Celtic Clash cards, the Boxing Ireland man looks set to complete his rebuilding process from his BUI Celtic title loss to Tyrone McKenna last year.

Another former McKenna foe – East Wall light welter Jake Hanney [5(4)-1(1)] – will make his return on the bill. Fighting for the first time since that night in Belfast, the Dubliner has linked up with Boxing Ireland and returns in a six rounder.

Recent domestic title challenger Anto Cacace [15(7)-1(0)] will box on the bill over six rounds. A late pull out from the last card, the Andersonstown super feather will be fighting for the first time since his narrow loss to Martin J Ward for the British and Commonwealth titles in London back in July.

One of the rising stars being created by the Celtic Clash series, Sallynoggin lightweight Stephen McAfee [2(2)-0], is back out on December 2nd. The Dublin puncher has scored huge knockouts on the two cards so far this year and will look to do so again here – although an extremely durable opponent is being lined up.

Bray youngster Regan Buckley [2(0)-0] is back on the card following his win over Carl McDonald in the Celtic Clash 3 chief support last time out.

Buckley’s St Teresa’s team mate James Cahill [1(0)-0] will also feature. The welterweight debuted on Celtic Clash 3, providing one of the stand-out performances of the night against Ivan Goluch.

A number of other fighters who debuted on Celtic Clash 3 will make repeat appearances. These include Crumlin lightweight Martin Quinn [1(1)-0], Jobstown bantam Dylan ‘The Firecracker’ McDonagh [1(0)-0], Donegal cruiser Michael Gallagher [1(1)-0], Cork featherweight Colin O’Donovan [1(1)-0], and Ballybrack light welter Niall O’Connor [1(0)-0].

With 13 fighters confirmed for the bill already, there are a number of announcements planned in the coming weeks to pack out the card.

Tickets for the show will go on sale in the near future, with opponents for the Irish fighters also set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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