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‘I’m in’ – Dennis Hogan tells Spike O’Sullivan they could sell out an arena

‘I’m in if you are’ – that appears to the message Dennis Hogan [28(7)-4(2)-1] has for Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan [30(21)-4(3)].

The Australian based fighter is keen to fight in Ireland before he retires and see’s the Cork light middle as a route home.

The Kildare fighter is confident a clash between the two-time world title challenger and his fellow high profile light-middleweight would attract enough interest to fill an arena.

Speaking online ‘The Hurricane’, who suffered a third career defeat to Australia’s latest star Tim Tszyu last month, revealed his ‘burning desire’ for a homecoming – and said he was more than willing to put it on the line against ‘Spike,’ in the what he believes is the biggest all Irish fight that can be made.

“I have a burning desire to fight in front of my family, friends and Irish boxing fans in Ireland. For a long time, Irish boxing fans have been starved of a big fight. There is only one fight that I believe fills any arena in Ireland. If that fight is available and both camps are happy then I’m in.”

The 36-year-old DDP Sports promoted fighter didn't mention the Murphys Boxng puncher by name but talks re a 'Spike' clash have taken place.

Indeed, Paul Keegan of DDP and Pascal Collins discussed the possibility of a mouthwatering meeting during the week. Rumour suggests Mahon man O'Sullivan, who has Golden Boy ties, has options. There have been whispers of a world title eliminator and the Celtic Warrior Gym fighter is said to be in the running to fight Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya who looks set for a summer return.

Considering the current pandemic-influenced scenario in Ireland and the fact the fight would need a sizable crowd to make it worthwhile for both any meeting could only happen later this year at the earliest. TV may also be a requirement considering both have attracted six-figure purses in recent times.

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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