Hanney: I requested a harder opponent and got it – now I want a KO

Of all the fighters trading leather in the National Stadium tomorrow night, Jake Hanney has arguably the toughest test.

However, the Dubliner isn’t worried, and believes Innocent Anyanwu is tailor made for him – Louis Copeland style.

Considering he returns to the ring after a year and a half sabbatical, the former Australian Prospect of the Year was initially set for an oil off the ring rust scrap.

However, the ambitious 27 year old knocked back potential foes before accepting a fight with a boxer who has caused some names trouble.

Dutch-based Nigerian Innocent Anyanwu [22(13)-17(4)-3] is a former Dutch and BeNeLux super featherweight champion, had Gary Buckland in trouble, and his only stoppage defeats (all of which came after the fifth round) came against high-level European operators Edis Tatli, Antonio Bento, Rudy Encarnacion, and Dennis Berinchyk.

Anyanwu, who would prove a test for any fighter going into just his fifth fight, provides a chance for Hanney to re-announce himself to the Irish fight scene and that’s exactly what he plans to do in his return to Dublin.

“He’s a good opponent and one I’m delighted with. We had a chance to fight a lesser opponent let’s say, but I wanted Anyanwu,” he told Irish-Boxing.com

“I think he’s tailor made for me. He is going to give me a great chance to show how good of a boxer I am.”

The bout is Hanney’s first as a pro in Ireland, and he returns after a long lay off. However, the excited prospect believes solid sparring ensures he is sharp going into the toughest fight of his career.

“I’m buzzing for my debut back home it’s been a long time coming. To be honest I was expecting a fight to get me back in the grove, but the way I have been training and the people I’ve been sparring means I am ready for this fight.”

“I have Derry Matthews, Bradley Saunders, Eric Donovon, Anto Upton, Paulie Hyland and Sean Creagh. I feel I’m ready now.”

“I’m ready to go for the four rounds, but I think I’ll be too clever for him and hopefully try do what most couldn’t and get him out of there.”