Power to take on Sweeney at O2

07 September 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Jamie Power and Michael Sweeney will collide on the undercard of Bernard Dunnes WBA super-bantamweight title defence at the O2 in Dublin on September 26.

Both men are undefeated, with Power having won all six of his bouts to date, while a draw with David Williams is only blot on Sweeneys otherwise unblemished eight-fight record.

Limerick native Power, whose last outing was a fourth-round stoppage of Kirilas Psonko, is relishing the All-Irish light-heavyweight showdown and is anticipating an all-out war.

“This is the kind of fight I was looking for,” he enthused. “Im 28 now and I have a young family and a full-time job so I dont want to be wasting my time as a pro with meaningless fights.

“This is a proper fight, two unbeaten Irish guys willing to put their records on the line to move on in their careers and to have it on a World title card at The O2 is the icing on the cake.

“I was there when Bernard won the title in March and the atmosphere was something else so I cant wait to actually fight there this time around.

“I know it will be a very tough fight and it will be a classic boxer versus fighter affair. Ive sparred Michael before so I know what to expect. Hell probably be looking to out box me but Im happy to take a few punches as long as I get in range myself to do some damage.

“It might take me a few rounds to start closing him down but Im confident that the longer it goes the stronger Ill become. Its going to be a real war but I wouldnt have it any other way!”

Sweeney, for his part, is hoping to take some pent-up frustration out on Power, with the Mayo native having had just one fight in the past 12 months a points win over Mark Nilsen in Castlebar in May.

“Its been a very difficult year for me,” he confessed. “Ive only had one fight due to injuries and empty promises of fights that never materialised so its great now to have a date and a big fight to focus on.

“The fact that it will be on a big World title card at The O2 makes it all the sweeter and Im determined to make up for the past year with a big performance.

“These kind of fights dont happen all that often, we both have good amateur pedigree and were both at around the same stage in our pro careers so we match up well. We sparred about a year ago so I know his style and I have a game plan.

“Im sure he will have his own plan as well but well see on the night. Im full of confidence right now and this could be just the break I was looking for.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Andy Murray will defend his European Union Lightweight title against former Italian champion Pasquale Di Silvio in the chief supporting contest at The O2.

Irish Welterweight titleholder Stephen Haughian, current Irish and IBF International Featherweight champion Patrick Hyland and the evergreen Oisin Fagan have also been added to the bill. Hyland will face former Commonwealth title challenger David ‘Silent Danger’ Kiilu but Haughian and Fagans opponents have yet to be revealed.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night are priced from 50 and are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.