Lindsay on O’Kane
11 May 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Former British featherweight champion Martin Lindsay believes training partner Eamonn OKane is ready to make as big an impact on pro boxing as he did the amateur game.
The Commonwealth gold medallist and seven time Ulster champion makes his first appearance as paid puncher on the under card of Andy Murray and Gavin Rees European lightweight title fight in Cardiff on June 4. And Lindsay reckons despite his novice professional status the 28 year old Dungiven native has the talent and wherewithal to cause European Champion Darren Barker problems if he was put in with him next.
The Belfast based university graduate believes OKanes experience with out the head gear and vest fighting for Milan in the ground breaking World Series Boxing tournament means he is more advanced and equipped to succeed than your average pro debutant.
Lindsay, who has his sights set on retaining the British title in 2011, has been training with the Derry star and has been impressed with what he has seen.
Eamonn has looked quality in training. He is very strong and a very busy fighter. I am confident he will do well as a professional. I watched Barker in his European title fight recently and I think Eamonn could cause him trouble right now. Obviously Eamonn would needs to get used to fighting over the longer distances, but he would more than hold his own against Barker over four to six rounds right now. He also has the advantage of fighting in the WSB. That is like having three professional fights under his belt and three fights against top quality opposition, Lindsay told www.irish-boxing.com.
