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Opponent Scout Report: October 14th-15th

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It’s another busy weekend ahead for Irish boxing with a British title defence and a major card in America. As we do every Thursday, Irish-Boxing.com take a look at the men who will be in the opposite corner.

Friday October 14th
Silverdome Basketball Stadium, Tasmania, Australia
Joe Rea [11(4)-30(13)-5] – Middleweight
Síucra Rea faces Australian Wade Ryan [9(1)-5(1)] over six rounds.
– Record: Recently lost split-decision to Wes Capper for Australian title. Has also lost on split to Liam Hutchinson.
– Style: Switch-hitter/southpaw. Prefers to fight rather than box. Neglects the jab. (N.B.: based on amateur footage)
– Video: Amateur footage.
– Verdict: Rea is definitely in with a shout here
A good opponent.

Saturday October 15th
Echo Arena, Liverpool
Ryan Burnett [10(7)-1(0)] – Bantamweight
Burnett takes on local lad Ryan Farrag [16(4)-2(1)] in the first defence of his British title.
– Record: Lost in Prizefighter to current IBF champ Lee Haskins. Stopped Jason Booth and score an impressive win over Stephane Jamoye on away turf for the European title. Lost in first defence to Karim Guerfi.
– Style: Very busy, normally the aggressor but can also fight off ropes. Decent range of shots but slightly rough around the edges
– Video: Highlights of his ninth round stoppage win over Jamoye. 
– Verdict: By far the toughest challenge of Burnett’s career so far.
A good opponent.

Eaton Recreation Centre, Bunbury, Australia
Ollie Towey [1(0)-1(1)] faces a to-be-confirmed opponent.

Memorial Hall, Melrose, Massachustes
TJ Doheny [15(11)-0] – Super Bantamweight
The Power is up against Ernesto Guerrero [22(15)-19(13)] in a top of the bill clash over eight rounds.
– Record: Stopped early by current IBF super bantam champ Jonathan Guzman, former Carl Frampton foe Raul Hirales, and Murphys Boxing’s Ryan Kielczweski. Went the distance with recent IBF bantamweight title challenger Ivan Morales.
– Style: Slippery journeyman style. Constantly sending out the jab. Low punch resistance.
– Video: A sixth round KO loss to Carlos Fontes
– Verdict: A weak choice for a headline fight at the Monster Brawl and the World title-hungry Doheny needs better.
Not a good opponent

Niall Kennedy [5(3)-0] – Heavyweight
Boom Boom Baz faces Henry Namuu [10(5)-8(4)] over six rounds.
– Record: Out of action since 2014 but has mixed it with good company, pulling off a few wins against strong opponents.
– Style: Originally a cruiserweight. Nice skillset and very high activity/fitness but takes too many shots and has something of a pawing jab.
– Video: A Henry Namuu highlight reel
– Verdict: A decent step up for Kennedy
A good opponent.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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