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Scott Fitzgerald would “love” Spike O’Sullivan fight – Collins suggests Craig O’Brien


New British boxing star Scott Fitzgerald includes Spike O’Sullivan [30(21)-3(2)] on his list of potential opponents but the Celtic Warriors team have another fight in mind.

Paschal Collins, trainer and manager of O’Sullivan, wants the new darling of British boxing to take on Dubliner Craig O’Brien [10(1)-1(1)].

Preston’s Fitzgerald [13(9)-0] upset Olympian Anthony Fowler in their light middleweight grudge match at the weekend in Liverpool, short-circuiting ‘The Machine’ to claim a split-decision win.

‘Mad Man’ dropped Fowler in the final round and, following a high-profile heated build-up and entertaining fight, has estabished himself as a major Matchroom name.

Following the win, a British title fight with Ted Cheeseman has been mandated while a rematch with Fowler is another potential option. Fitzgerald then also mentions European champion Sergio Garcia and veteran Brian Rose – but admits that a fight with O’Sullivan also appeals.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Fitzgerald described how “I would love a fight with that cool guy from Ireland. Come over here with your mad moustache, and your bald head, and have a scrap with me. If he tried to kiss me beforehand, I’d snog him back!”

“I know he’s exciting and comes for it, and I’m going to learn from that fight. Spike is a game man, who will look me in the eye, and we’re both going to be as keen as mustard.”

Alligned to Golden Boy Promotions, O’Sullivan has his eye on the upcoming WBO title defence from his stablemate Jaime Munguia against his fellow Irishman Dennis Hogan.

The Cork boxer is to head to Mexico for the April 13th DAZN-aired fight in Monterrey and intends to call out the winner having successfully moved down to the light middleweight division.

With that in mind, a fight with Fitzgerald seemingly does not appeal and Collins has another suggestion.

The Dublin fight boss thinks O’Brien, with the right preparations, could test the Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

‘The Iron’ took on Fowler last summer and, after a good start, was stopped in the sixth round.

O’Brien has rebuilt and has linked up with Murphys Boxing in Boston, scoring his first win with the outfit last weekend – an outfit that works closely with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Promotions.

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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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