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Other options to be explored but O’Brien won’t rule out Agyarko fight

 

Craig O’Brien [11(1)-1(1)] says if it makes sense he would have no issue defending his Irish light middleweight title against Caoimhin Agyarko [4(1)-0].

The Belfast prospect didn’t quite call out the reigning champion, but told Irish-boxing.com this week that he was green strap keen.

The 22-year-old, who fights in London this weekend, is open to a shot at 154lbs or 160lbs and said he would have no issue with agreeing to challenge the Dubliner.

O’Brien understands Agyarko’s position having being there himself previously and certainly wouldn’t shy away from the scrap.

However, ‘The Iron’ is kick on keen at this stage and wonders if taking on what is effectively a novice pro would enhance his chances of moving past domestic level.

The popular Inner City Dub admits he was disappointed the prestigious crown didn’t inject any progress juice into his career – although the current plight of boxing in Dublin more than likely played a big part in that- and seems to wonder if a defense would do anything similar.

The London based Belfast fighter could bring BT Sports due to his relationship with Queensbury Promotions, but O’Brien has been open about exploring the American route via Murphys Boxing ala Celtic Warrior Gym stablemates Spike O’Sullivan, Niall Kennedy and Ray Moylette.

“I have no issue him saying he wants to fight for the title,” O’Brien told Irish-boxing.com.

“I was at that stage before myself. I understand where he is coming  from.”

“I won the Irish title 18 months ago and to be honest it hasn’t done me much good. I haven’t got to defend it yet!

“I don’t know what will happen in the future with the title, but as of now I’m still Irish light middle weight champion and if the right fight comes up and my team says it’s the right one we will go for it,”

The Pascal Collins trained light middle will claims there are a few possible career pathways he is considering at present, but before committing to anything will have another keep busy fight at home this Autumn.

“There are one or two options on table, but for now we’re just going to stay busy and have a fight I will announce shortly.”

 

 

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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