Craig O’Brien aiming for an even bigger 2018 after break-out comeback year

Craig O’Brien [7(0)-0] can now switch his attentions to what he hopes will be an even bigger 2018 after establishing himself in Irish boxing this year.

The inner city light middleweight defeated Poland’s Daniel Przewieslik at the start of the month to round off a brilliant year with victory on the Celtic Clash 4 card.

It was a fourth win of the year for O’Brien, who has moved from prospect to BUI Celtic champion.

Formerly a victim of inactivity, the Celtic Warriors fighter has been dealing with different problems recently.

O’Brien described how “I said back in October it’s good to keep busy, but I have been getting niggles in this camp. I probably should have took the break.”

“My neck is alright in the moment, but after the fact it’s sore. I’ll rest that up now and I look forward to January 1st and to get back into camp and fight on March 3rd.”

Looking back on his most recent victory, the 28 year old wasn’t overly happy with his display – although acknowledged his ability to win while performing badly.

“It was a bad night, but a good bad night because I got the win,” noted O’Brien.

“At one stage I was hurting him to the body, but I was whipping him with the jab so there was no point in rushing in and maybe risking a clash of heads. With him not working as much maybe I didn’t have to work as much so it made it easier on me. I was relaxed zand I could have been better, but on an off night I got the win.

“I could do what I want in there and people will say he wasn’t a great opponent, which may be fair, but it was only a keep busy fight.”

It has been a breakthrough year for O’Brien who did not fight at all in 2016.

‘The Iron’ however is not content to rest on his laurels, and is looking to build in 2018 – starting with a prominent spot on the Ireland’s Last Man Standing card at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday March 3rd.

O’Brien outlined how “these 12 months have been brilliant and I want to thank everyone for their support and my sponsors. It’s been a great 12 months and hopefully over the next 12 we can push on to bigger and better things.

“I want that Irish title.”

“I’ll enjoy Christmas now get fat and come back in the new year. I will probably defend on the undercard of Last Man Standing if I don’t go into it. We will see what happens.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)