‘Dennis will fight me next’ – O’Sullivan confident Hogan will deliver on fight promise
Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan [31(21)-5(4)] believes he will stand opposite countryman Dennis Hogan [31(7)-4(2)-1] when the Kildare man makes the first defence of his newly acquired IBO light middleweight world title.
‘The Hurricane’ finally had his magic moment when he defeated Sam Eggington to claim the strap on a stacked No Limit card on Saturday — and now the Cork fighter wants his.
The Paschal Collins trained veteran had called for a fight with the winner during the build-up and suggested both fighter’s teams had welcomed the call out.
Now that, Hogan, has had his hand raised and has the title around his waist, O’Sullivan is confident the pair will agree terms and an IBO world title fight will be made.
“Dennis will fight me next because I’m sure he’s a man of his word,” he said.
“I couldn’t have more respect for Dennis, even though he’s from Kildare. He’s gone around the world for a shortcut and carved out a brilliant career for himself, mostly fighting out of Australia but he’s boxed in the States, Mexico and Germany too. I respect the hell out of that attitude.”
Dennis Hogan takes the IBO world light-middleweight title from Sam Eggington.
— Kevin Byrne (@KevByrneBox) October 8, 2022
“I’ve been through the biggest obstacles. Winning this is a sign for everybody to keep persisting, keep believing.
“You can f***ing do it.” pic.twitter.com/ke35ruhhq8
Speaking before the fight took place in Australia last weekend, O’Sullivan, 38, had suggested his call-out was received well.
“A few weeks back I called out both Dennis and Sam and said I wanted to fight whoever came out on top. It wasn’t a flyer or a stunt or a joke. I was deadly serious and to be fair to Dennis especially, it was taken seriously. From what I’ve heard back, I’m starting to feel good that both camps will be true to their word (or at least their hints) and put that belt up for grabs with me on the other side of the ring next time.
“Imagine me against Dennis? That would be something truly historic — two Irishmen fighting one another for a world title. I’ve had a wee look back through the history books and don’t think it’s ever happened before.”
“I want to fight Dennis Hogan. It’ll be the first Irish clash for a World Title!” 🇮🇪👑@spike_osullivan wants a shot at Hogan’s world title against his Irish counterpart 💪
— Boxing Social (@boxing_social) October 8, 2022
🎥 https://t.co/1pfUmCR9Eg
🔞 @Betfred Fight Odds: https://t.co/alJfxEnZ8R#Boxing pic.twitter.com/eeUNcQHKS7
Since securing victory, Hogan has suggested he would like a homecoming fight and has his sights set on fighting in Ireland next.
O’Sullivan has been mentioned as the ideal opponent for that clash and the fight itself has been discussed as perfect for any Katie Taylor – Amanda Serrano Croke Park card.
If Taylor doesn’t fight in Ireland early in 2023, the well-travelled O’Sullivan has revealed he is willing to fly to Australia.
