Headline NewsNewsPro NewsTop News of The Day

World title eliminator awaits if Spike O’Sullivan is on song in Belgium tune-up

This Saturday’s return to the ring could prove a warm-up for one of three different big-time summer options for Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan [30(21)-4(3)].

The Cork puncher fights for the first time since his defeat to Irish nemesis Jaime Munguia in January of 2020 in Belgium this coming Saturday night.

The light-middleweight world title hopeful takes on Georgian Nodar Robakidze [15(5)-35(10)-6] at the Country Hall – Sart Tilman, Liege on a 12Rounds Promotions card.

The 37-year-old admits it’s a tune up, but isn’t clear on exactly what he is tuning up for.

‘Spike’ has been linked to Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya and is said to be contention for a payday against his boss and Golden Boy promoter, there has also been talk of a world title eliminator, and a summer fight that may open the doors to a 154lbs tilt.

The Paschal Collins-trained former Irish champion admits both are possible and revealed there have been talks re a ranking title fight.

“I guess this fight is being looked at as a tune-up with me having been out of the ring for in-and-around 17 months,” Spike told Irish-boxing.com.

“I expect at the very least to fight for a ranking title after this fight and before the summer ends,” he adds before discussing De La Hoya tak.

“I don’t know what’s happening there, to be honest. I have seen numerous rumours of me fighting him and I have also seen that I was the second favourite in the bookmakers in the US to get the call to fight him. I haven’t heard anything concrete but who knows what’s gonna happen. I would certainly be up for the fight if it was offered to me.”

Outside of a massive De La Hoya pay day, a world title eliminator would be the preferred option and that also seems to be a possibility.

“Providing I come through this fight ths weekend in Belgium, I could potentially have a world title eliminator in the summer,” Spike continued.

Considering he has been out for some time and there is a big fight on the horizon there may be a case for O’Sullivan to attempt to get rounds in on Saturday but in true ‘Spike’ fashion, he will look to take his opponent out.

“To be honest he hasn’t the greatest record, so I expect to win but I always do expect to win. I’d never underestimate an opponent I’ve seen on numerous occasions a lad upsetting the odds and I always prepare to the best of my ability and this fight will be no different. As always I’ll be going in search of the KO.”

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

x