O’Sullivan determined to shine

30 November 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

Unbeaten prospect Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan believes an impressive performance in Friday night’s Irish middleweight title fight with Ciaran Healy will establish him as one to watch for 2010.

The 25-year-old, who has built up a 9-0 (6KO) record, goes into the contest at Neptune Stadium as favourite, but acknowledges that Healy is a man who can teach him a few lessons.

“Im not going to underestimate him,” he told irish-boxing.com.

“I know he has been in with some big names like Andy Lee, Jamie Moore and James DeGale but Ive done my training and I have my tactics. I have a job to do on Friday, but Im confident. Ive watched Ciaran on video and also saw him in action at the Odyssey last month. So I see this as a fight that can put me on the map.”

Guiding OSullivans career is former pro Paschal Collins, the brother of Irish ring legend Steve.

“Paschal and I were talking about my style and he said he views me as a box-fighter like an American. Im in your face, but Im boxing there and not brawling.

“Ive been working with Paschal and Steve has been giving me good advice as well. Steve is presenting the belt to the winner on Friday so that will be very special.”

The bout marks OSullivans first opportunity to top a card in his hometown and the former amateur champion believes that a good performance will yield opportunity in the near future.

“Everyone gets a little nervous boxing at home but Ive good support there and I think I can put on a good performance,” he enthused.

“Paschal has been talking to Frank Warren and Ive met with him as well. Hopefully we can do something with him in the New Year. A bit of exposure in the UK on Sky TV would be great.”

OSullivan has been nominated in the ‘Prospect of the Year’ category at Januarys National Boxing Awards, which take place in Belfast on January 23.