Eamonn for the top:O’Kane targets big scalp on Sept 10 bill

June 21 Jonny Stapleton

EAMONN O’Kane is looking for a ‘big scalp’ on Belfast’s big September 10 bill in a bid to fast track his way to title fights.

The 29 year old will jump from six to eight rounds in just his third pro bout and is also hoping for upgrade in opponent quality, as tries to manoeuvre his way up the pro ladder on the under card of close friend Paul McCloskey’s clash with Breidis Prescott.

The 2010 Commonwealth Gold medallist claims Irish and possible European title fights are in the pipeline and is eager to secure big fights as quick as possible.

I am looking for a nice scalp on this bill. There is no reason why I cant progress fast. I think I am capable of moving up the professional ladder. I might have been amateur for a long time but I am very pro like. I am looking forward to the show,“ O’Kane revealed.

“Eddie and Barry Hearn are planning big things for me over the next 18 months. I would like Irish titles and European titles. I am 29 now and I don’t want to be hanging around. I got into this game to emulate Paul McCloskey and hopefully I will be having big fights like him soon,” O’Kane added before stressing not only was he ready for eight rounds, the elongated innings would suit him.

“I will fight an eight rounder on the McCloskey Prescott bill. I think I am already fit and prepared for the game. I have always been a hard trainer and prepare very well. Also the more time I have to get to an opponent suits me. Three rounds has always been a struggle so more rounds gives me more time to get to the opponent and break him down. It took me 5 rounds to the get to Tommy Tolan last time out.”

 It may seem like O’Kane is being progressed quicker than your average pro novice, but he claims he is route to paid boxing is far from regular.

The middleweight prospect stressed he is has served boxing apprenticeship in the WSB and points to a glittering amateur career as proof he can mix it at the top without the vest and head guard.

“I don’t think I am that naive to boxing. I might be naive in terms of the pro game but I have mixed it and done well in the World Series of Boxing. Also as an amateur I fought Andre Dirrell and he only beat me by three points in America. Jean Pascal beat me in Cork by a point. I beat George Groves in his last amateur fight. I went close against James DeGale. I have been in with John Duddy and Andy Lee. I have mixed it with the best in the amateurs. So that gives me confidence going into the pros. I think if I can do what I am good at it will take a very good man to beat me.”

“The WSB was a good introduction to the pro game. It was boxing at the amateur pace but with the pro style. It was a great experience. I had three fights and three wins. It was more to do with work rate and power than picking shots and piping rounds.”

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