Sweeney demands Irish title fight

By Jonny Stapleton

Controversy and confusion may surround the Irish light heavyweight title, but one thing Michael Sweeney believes is certain is that he is next in line for the domestic crown.

Paddy McDonagh defeated John Waldron to strap the green belt around his waist in Liverpool last weekend, but Belfast’s Ciaran Healy claims he never vacated the strap and is the rightful owner.

Regardless Sweeney is adamant that whoever is possession of the belt has to fight him in their next bout.

“As far as I am aware McDonagh is the Irish champion. Fair play to him he won the belt and he is a good fighter. I think he is naturally a super middleweight but he is a good boxer. If he is the champ he has to fight me now. No disrespect to John Waldron, John is a good guy and a gutsy fighter, but he should never have got a tilt ahead of me. I stopped John last year and he brings McDonagh ten rounds?” Sweeney told www.irish-boxing.com last night.

The controversy surrounding the light heavyweight title may be inspired by the fact it’s a belt American based Seanie Monaghan wants to fight for on the St Patrick’s Day New York Card.

The possibility of a big pay and the chance to show case your talent at a packed Madison Square Garden would be enough to lure any fighter.

However, Sweeney has told McDonagh to stop dreaming of America and to get ready for a certain Mayo man.

“The bottom line is I am the number one contender and I want the title. I want to get it on and get it made. How can they make a defence against a guy who is not the number one contender? There should be no talk about New York they can‘t by pass me,” Sweeney added.

The Ballinrobe also revealed he is back with former promoter’s Banner Promotions.

“I am back with Banner Promotions and things look positive for me this year. There are no dates for fights set as of yet, but I should know more after their next show is out of the way.”