It’s Official – Craig O’Brien to take on British prospect on Sky broadcast NXTGEN card this week

Craig O’Brien [11(1)-1(1)] has secured a massive break through chance after securing a slot on the next installment of the NXTGEN series.

The Inner City Dub will trade leather live on Sky Sports for a title on the Matchroom December 19 card.

The fight night will be topped by former Tommy McCarthy foe Richard Riakporhe and Jack Massey’s British cruiserweight title fight.

Speaking on Off The Ball’s Off the Brawl, O’Brien’s Celtic Warrior Gym stablemate Niall Kennedy revealed details of the bout two weeks ago, but the fight hadn’t been officially confirmed at the time and the heavyweight didn’t reveal who would be in the opposite corner.

“Craig will be announcing a massive fight on the NXTGEN card for December 19. [It’s a] title fight, a 10 round fight the opponent will be announced during the week. He is flying Craig O’Brien is really going well. A big win for him sets him up, which would be a great because he is a good guy with a great story.”

The popular and likable 30-year-old takes on Matchroom light middleweight Kieron Conway [13(3)-1(0)-1].

The Northampton native has been working his way up the ladder. He drew in a British title fight with known name Cheeseman and his only defeat comes against Derrick Osaze.

He provides O’Brien with a great breakthrough chance on a brilliant platform.

The 30-year-old did appear on Sky previously, but was stopped by Anthony Fowler after giving a good account of himself. He gets a second chance before Christmas and if he manages to secure victory he comes out with his reputation and profile significantly enhanced.

Indeed, a good performance could help him secure high profile British level opponents such as Scott Fitzgerald, Tedd Cheeseman or even a Fowler return.

O’Brien has endured a frustrating time of late. He has been relatively active of , but was frustrated he couldn’t kick on after winning his Irish title live on TV and hasn’t been overjoyed with the level of opponent since his Fowler defeat.

There has been talk of some Murphy’s Boxing promoted American bouts in 2020, but first O’Brien has a chance to impress closer to home.

Despite the late official confirming of the clash O’Brien has been in camp for sometime. ‘The Iron’ has been working under Pascal Collins guidance and sparring Spike O’Sullivan ahead of his clash with Jaime Munguia – and rumour coming out of the camp has the Dubliner in peak form.