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Second Coming Countdown: Michael Sweeney -v- Ian Tims

MGM return to Ireland this weekend and, ahead of the massive ‘Second Coming’ show at the National Stadium, irish-boxing.com is profiling all the Irish fighters who will be in action.

Here we take a look at one of two all-Ireland grudge matches on the card – Michael Sweeney v Ian Tims.

A rematch of the pair’s exciting 2011 Irish cruiserweight title clash which Tims edged 97-95. A rematch was due to happen on the Sky Sports show at the 3Arena last November but Sweeney was forced to withdraw late with a punctured lung. On Saturday, the duo fight over eight rounds for the Celtic Nations title.

Connacht man Sweeney [12(6)-3(2)-1] is a silky operator who has sparred with numerous World champion, and it promises to be another intriguing clash of styles with Dublin warrior Ian Tims [10(3)-3(2)], himself a former National Elite champion.

The clash really is make or break for Tims and Sweeney who are 35 and 32 respectively, with the winner putting themselves in the frame further big fights and the loser looking likely to retire.

Expect fireworks, especially if their weigh-ins before their original fight and their ill-fated clash last year are anything to go by:

Previous Countdown to ‘Second Coming’ pieces
David Maguire
Ciaran Mullen
Ciaran McVarnock

Tickets are available from the boxers involved and tickets.ie. ‘Second Coming’’ will also be shown exclusively live on Boxnation from 5pm (Sky channel 437).

To subscribe to Boxnation please click HERE.

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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