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The boxing gems of the Emerald Isle are ready to shine

Ireland has always had an affiliation with boxing; the likes of Barry McGuigan, Steve Collins and Rinty Monaghan are just some of those that hail from the Emerald Isle that have enjoyed success. But, there are some other Irishmen waiting to take the sport by the scruff of the neck.

Dennis ‘Hurricane’ Hogan

Ireland’s No.1, Dennis ‘Hurricane’ Hogan’s record speaks for itself. With 28 wins, 3 draws and just one loss – which came against Jermall Charlo on December 7 – Hogan is a fiery character. Despite that knockout loss to Charlo ending the Irishman’s chance to become WBA Middleweight champion, Hogan is not giving up.

And, after coming close to beating Jaime Munguia in Mexico back in April for the WBO super-welterweight title, it appears as though the Australia-based Hogan is ready to step back down a division. It would be no surprise if the Irishman does return to the super-welterweight division that Munguia would be his target after the controversial ending seven months ago. Bookmakers would certainly have a field day.

Gary O’Sullivan

Keeping the super-welterweight division warm whilst Hogan tries his hand at the middle is Gary O’Sullivan. Boasting a 30 win, three draws and no loss record, O’Sullivan is scheduled to fight Hogan’s nemesis in January 2020, Jaime Munguia for a shot at the world title.

O’Sullivan is ranked 22 in the super-welterweight division whilst Munguia is no.1, but that will not stop the Irishman whose enthusiasm and tenacity whilst in the ring would be a match for just about anyone. As time drifts by until the bount, pay attention after Christmas to gambling odds with WhichBookie bet calculator giving potential bettors an easier understanding of things to look out for.

Jason Quigley

Aptly nicknamed ‘El Animal’, Jason Quigley is behind Hogan and O’Sullivan but can still make his mark on the boxing world, particularly in his middleweight division. 14 games unbeaten as an amateur and 18 as a professional (17 wins and one draw), Quigley’s third-round knockout of Abraham Cordero on December 5 highlighted his determination to get to the top after changing his training team following his maiden defeat in July.

Ranked 56th in the world and third in Ireland, Quigley has some way to go until he will get a chance to knock Jermell Charlo off his perch or no.1 Gennadiy Golovkin.

Luke Keeler

However, fellow Irishman Luke Keeler will challenge American Demetrius Andrade for his WBO middleweight world title in January. Keeler, currently ranked 28th in his division, has 17 wins, two draws and one loss to his name – including a shock, impressive triumph over Luis Arias in August. 

It will be interesting to see how bookmakers price both Keeler and O’Sullivan as they do battle against Munguia and Andrade respectively.

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