THE IRISH BOXING REVIEW

2014 EDITION

STEVE WELLINGS

Copyright © 2014 Steve Wellings

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1500800635

ISBN-13: 978-1500800635

The moral right of Steve Wellings to be identified as author of this Work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. You must not circulate this book without the authority to do so.

Typeset by Sarah Michelle Lynch

Cover design byMarty McColgan

CONTENTS

Introduction………………………………………………………………1

The Fight Score Collector………………………………………………....4

‘Fighting Words’: Feature Interview with Boxing Author David Greisman………………………………………………………………...10

Feature Interview with Charismatic Boxing Pundit Ingram Jones of BaylorIC TV……………………………………………………………..15

Unbeaten Cruiserweights Ready to Rumble in Belfast’s ‘Celtic Clash’ – 10th September 2013………………………………………………………….19

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called Reynolds vs. Trainor – 15th September 2014…………………………………………………..21

Frampton Would Consider Galahad Fight But Parodi the Priority – 24th September 2013………………………………………………………….22

Daniel McShane Looking to Build on British Masters Title Success – 24th September 2013………………………………………………………….24

‘Big Bang’ Is Back and Ready for McCullough Title Test – 25th September 2013……………………………………………………………………..26

Conlan Looking to Get Back to Business Against France’s Azaouagh – 26th September 2013………………………………………………………….27

Sutcliffe Reckons Irish Boxing Is Ready to Explode Again – 30th September 2013………………………………………………………….29

Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner Set for Debut After Signing with ‘Alio’ Wilton – 2nd October 2013……………………………………………………………31

Frampton Eyes World Title Shot After Impressive Parodi Dismissal – 22nd October 2013……………………………………………………………33

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called Frampton vs. Parodi – 22nd October 2013……………………………………………………38

McGuigan Will Drop Big Belfast Offer on Martinez-Mathebula Winner – 23rd October 2013………………………………………………………39

Shane McGuigan: ‘Frampton Is a Phenomenal Machine’ – 23rd October 2013……………………………………………………………………..41

‘I’m Making Bigger Statements in Every Fight,’ Says Frampton – 24th October 2013……………………………………………………………43

McGuigan Reveals Sparring Woes and Targets America Not Quigg – 26th October 2013……………………………………………………………46

Wilton Dismisses Marinov En Route to British Title Eliminator – 9th November 2013…………………………………………………………47

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called This Belfast Promotions Show – 10th November 2013………………………………48

Mike Perez: From Limerick to Las Vegas – 16th November 2013……….49

Morris Wants Title Fast Track After Promising Debut Victory – 22nd November 2013…………………………………………………………52

Middleweight Conrad Cummings Goes Pro with Barry McGuigan – 22nd December 2013………………………………………………………….53

Conrad Cummings Turns Pro with Cyclone Promotions – 22nd December 2013……………………………………………………………………..55

Frampton Excited by Cyclone’s Latest Signing – 30th January 2014……..57

Frampton Gets World Title Eliminator for the Right to Fight Santa Cruz – 30th January 2014………………………………………………………..58

Frampton Has Santa Cruz’s WBC Belt in His Sights – 31st January 2014..60

Big Odyssey Show Ripe for Undercard Talent to Shine – 2nd February 2014……………………………………………………………………..62

Shane McGuigan Respects Cazares Threat But Picks Frampton by KO – 5th February 2014……………………………………………………….63

Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam Headlines Intriguing Dublin Card – 13th February 2014……………………………………………………………………..65

N’Dam Leads the Way on Dublin Pro Boxing Extravaganza – 16th February 2014…………………………………………………………...66

Frampton A Dead Cert for World Title Says Hatton – 22nd February 2014……………………………………………………………………..68

Dee Walsh Targets Quick Ring Return After Signing with Dunlop – 23rd February 2014…………………………………………………………....69

Shamrock Shorts – 23rd February 2014………………………………….70

‘I’ll Fight Frampton in Ireland’ Says WBC King Santa Cruz – 23rd February 2014……………………………………………………………………..72

Santa Cruz Will Fight Anyone at 122 But Focuses on Mijares First – 26th February 2014…………………………………………………………...74

Sky Arena’s Heavyweight Super 8 Last Man Standing in New Zealand – 4th March 2014……………………………………………………………...75

National Elite Championships Finals Report – 7th March 2014…………76

National Elite Championships Men’s Finals Results – 7th March 2014…..78

Conlan Relishing Life at the New Weight After McCullagh Victory – 9th March 2014……………………………………………………………...79

McDonagh and Hutchinson Prepare for Irish Title War – 10th March 2014……………………………………………………………………..80

Away Win Leaves McShane ‘Hungary’ for Success – 11th March 2014…..81

Ricky Hatton’s Stable Is Growing Fast and Gaining Exposure – 15th March 2014……………………………………………………………………..82

Kiko Frustration in the Past As Frampton Targets Santa Cruz – 16th March 2014……………………………………………………………………..83

Breen Backs McCullough to Reach World Level But Isaeu Comes First – 18th March 2014………………………………………………………...84

Cummings Hitting New Heights with Frampton Training Camps – 19th March 2014……………………………………………………………...85

Shane McGuigan: ‘Frampton-Santa Cruz Can Happen in Belfast’ – 19th March 2014……………………………………………………………...86

‘Ormond Is Ready for Crawford’ Says Paschal Collins – 21st March 2014……………………………………………………………………..88

Wilton on Cloud Nine After Holiday Inn Victory – 22nd March 2014…..90

Jamie Conlan Ready to Move Into Title Class on Cyclone Undercard – 25th March 2014……………………………………………………………...92

Sonny on the Up After Dublin Victory – 26th March 2014……………...94

McGuigan Plotting Big Nights in Belfast for Undercard Starlets – 27th March 2014……………………………………………………………...96

Carl Frampton: ‘It’s Not Just About Winning, I Have to Look Good’ – 29th March 2014………………………………………………………...98

Frampton Blasts Away Cazares and Full Undercard Round-Up – 5th April 2014……………………………………………………………………100

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called Frampton vs. Cazares – 6th April 2014………………………………………………………...104

Odyssey Undercard Stars Ready to Move on to Bigger Things – 7th April 2014……………………………………………………………………105

McGuigan Weighing Up the Options for Frampton-Santa Cruz – 10th April 2014……………………………………………………………....107

Pat Magee Has Big Plans for Philip Sutcliffe Jnr – 16th April 2014……..109

‘I’m Making a Complaint to the WBC’ Says Angry Cazares – 17th April 2014……………………………………………………………………110

Cazares Is in the Past As Frampton Targets Santa Cruz Mega-Fight – 17th April 2014……………………………………………………………...112

Hugo Cazares: ‘Frampton Didn’t Hit Me the Hardest’ – 20th April 2014……………………………………………………………………114

North Belfast Boxing Nostalgia – 26th April 2014……………………...115

Tennyson Looking to Write New Script on Devenish Show – 9th May 2014……………………………………………………………………116

Tennyson Proves Too Fresh for Old Bailey at Devenish Show – 10th May 2014……………………………………………………………………118

Tennyson Eyes Rankings Boost After Bailey Win – 12th May 2014…….120

Cyclone Talent Ready to Shine on ‘Waterfront Brawl’ Show – 13th May 2014……………………………………………………………………121

Lindsay Views Warrington Shot As a Pathway Back to the Big Time – 16th May 2014……………………………………………………………….123

Fryers Wins Again and Reveals Truth Behind Campbell Scrap – 18th May 2014……………………………………………………………………124

Marc McCullough Ready to Finally Get Hold of WBO European Title Belt – 18th May 2014………………………………………………………..125

Building Towards Titles Is the Focus for Immaculata Star Meli – 20th May 2014……………………………………………………………………126

Title Success Leaves Super-Flyweight Conlan Hungry for More – 22nd May 2014……………………………………………………………………127

First Step Towards Middleweight Top 10 for Conrad Cummings – 23rd May 2014……………………………………………………………….128

Duka Falls Early As Rampant ‘Waldo’ Returns with a Bang – 24th May 2014……………………………………………………………………129

Tommy McCarthy Opens Pro Account with Third-Tound Knockout Win – 24th May 2014………………………………………………………….130

Horvath Victory Kicks Off Hyland Adventure for New Pro Paul – 29th May 2014……………………………………………………………….131

Heavyweight Rogan Motivated for Super 8 Glory in New Zealand – 2nd June 2014………………………………………………………………132

Middleweight Meli Has Titles on His Mind – 3rd June 2014……………133

Unlucky Rogan Bows Out Early But Shows He Can Still Compete – 4th June 2014………………………………………………………………134

It’s All About Titles Not Venues for Ex-Champ McGuigan – 5th June 2014……………………………………………………………………135

‘The Big One!’ Frampton Fights Kiko in September World Title Scrap – 5th June 2014…………………………………………………………..137

Big Fight Recap: The First Time Frampton Fought Kiko Martinez – 5th June 2014………………………………………………………………139

Eamonn Magee Jnr Turns Pro on Holiday Inn Show – 6th June 2014….140

Holiday Inn Report Card: The Future’s Bright As Young Irish Talent Shines – 7th June 2014…………………………………………………141

Barry McGuigan: ‘Golden Boy Weren’t Interested in Frampton Fight’ – 9th June 2014………………………………………………………………143

Meli Faces Dee Taggart on June 14 Belfast Bill – 11th June 2014………145

The Negotiator: Jake McGuigan Discusses Frampton-Martinez II – 11th June 2014………………………………………………………………146

Unbeaten Talent Walsh Wants to Focus on Irish Title Shot – 11th June 2014……………………………………………………………………148

Flighty Lama Unable to Run from KO king Keeler – 12th June 2014…..149

Talented Magee Jnr Will Let His Fists Do the Talking – 12th June 2014……………………………………………………………………151

Walsh Back with a Bang as Kormany Falls Early – 15th June 2014……..153

‘Over the Moon’ Frampton Primed for Huge Outdoor Event – 16th June 2014……………………………………………………………………155

Waterfront Brawl: McCullough Primed for Parlagi Challenge – 18th June 2014……………………………………………………………………157

Waterfront Brawl: Conlan Close to Brit Title Shot But Molnar Comes First – 19th June 2014……………………………………………………….159

Carmichael Hopes Moses Win Can Reignite Career – 19th June 2014….160

‘Beast’ Cummings Ready to Reap the Benefits of Top-Class Sparring – 20th June 2014………………………………………………………………161

McCullough Powers Past Parlagi in Title Thriller – 21st June 2014……..162

Barry McGuigan: ‘McCullough Was Fantastic on Friday Night’ – 23rd June 2014……………………………………………………………………164

Breen Backs Tough McCullough to Return on September Undercard – 23rd June 2014…………………………………………………………165

Macklin Itching to Get Back Into the World Title Picture at Middleweight – 25th June 2014…………………………………………………………166

Casey’s Back on the Title Trail After Successful Rogowski Tune-Up – 27th June 2014………………………………………………………………168

Frampton and Martinez Set to Come Face-to-Face This Week – 29th June 2014……………………………………………………………………169

Cyclone Call Presser to Announce Frampton-Martinez Venue – 30th June 2014……………………………………………………………………171

Frampton Still Keen to Dig Quigg – 1st July 2014……………………...172

Frampton and Martinez All Set for Titanic Showdown – 1st July 2014....173

Frampton and Martinez Prepare for Titanic Rematch – 2nd July 2014…175

‘Pretty Boy’ Geraghty Is One of Ireland’s Hottest Prospects – 11th July 2014……………………………………………………………………177

Macklin Prepares for Dublin Show and Tips Frampton for World Glory – 16th July 2014…………………………………………………………..179

Dave ‘Boy’ McAuley Backs Jackal to Snatch World Crown in Belfast – 19th July 2014………………………………………………………………..180

Domestic Results: Professional Shows in Ireland……………………….181

World Results 2013…………………………………………………….189

World Results 2014…………………………………………………….193

Irish Boxers’ Records As of August 2014: Compiled and Supplied by Gerry Callan…………………………………………………………………..198

INTRODUCTION

Hello and thank you for picking up a copy of the Irish Boxing Review. It’s hard to believe that we are now into the fourth edition of this annual archive. As always the main aim of this book is to catalogue the comings and goings on the Irish boxing circuit, mostly in the professional game and occasionally with the amateurs as well. Sometimes producing the guide can be a bit of a thankless task, costing a significant amount more to put together than it ever makes in sales! But I think that it would be such a shame to let some of the fascinating stories and talking points fall by the wayside. Which is why I shall continue to build the collection -once dubbed a “labour of love” by BoxRec News editor Ian McNeilly- for as long as possible.

Once again we have witnessed an interesting period of pugilism across the Emerald Isle. Over the past 12 months we have followed Carl Frampton’s auspicious rise to the verge of a world title shot with victories over Jeremy Parodi and Hugo Cazares. On the smaller scene the likes of Alan Wilton and Mark Dunlop continue to diligently beaver away in Belfast running shows in venues like the Holiday Inn and The Devenish. These shows may often be low key affairs in the grand scheme of things but they are the lifeblood of professional boxing. They serve to provide young, talented fighters with much needed exposure and a chance to sell tickets to local fans eager to see their friends in action. People sometimes question what there is to gain from boxers engaging in such contests but they serve to keep pugilists active, maintain momentum and extend a winning record that could be vital in stating a case to the likes of the British Boxing Board of Control or Boxing Union of Ireland when pushing for a title shot.

We are possibly on the cusp of another exciting era of big fights in big venues. As I write Cyclone Promotions are planning a huge event in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter that will cater for 16,000 people all eager to see Carl Frampton bring a world title home. If, as expected, Carl prevails then bigger and better nights could be in store as well as potential trips across the water to Las Vegas and beyond. One man who has already sampled the big American cards is middleweight Matthew Macklin who is now busy spearheading Eddie Hearn’s return to these shores. Hearn’s Matchroom outfit once promoted Frampton and even then Eddie often spoke of the passion that Irish fans bring to the table. Promoting first in the National Stadium, with the Sky Sports cameras in attendance, will give the fight game a huge boost with potentially thriving scenes both north and south of the border.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the people that made this book possible. Special thanks this year goes to Ingram Jones, Bobby Hunter and David Greisman who all gave up their valuable time to participate in the features section. A special mention as usual extends to veteran scribe Gerry Callan who provides us with impeccably compiled records for the boxers. Also it would be remiss of me to fail to mention the fellow boxing writers who do an excellent job covering the Irish boxing scene, many of whom are members of the Irish Boxing Writers’ Association (visit ibwa.ie for more information).

Gerry Callan (Irish Daily Star), Cormac Campbell (Newry Reporter), Ciarán Gallagher (Irish Daily Mail), David Mohan (Andersonstown News), Kevin Byrne (Irish Sun, treasurer), Martin Breheny (Irish Independent, honorary), Jonny Stapleton (Irish Mirror/irish-boxing.com), Nicky Fullerton (Belfast Newsletter), Éamon Carr (Evening Herald), Vincent Hogan (Irish Independent), Darragh Maloney (RTE), Barry Flynn (author), Barry Fitzgerald (Setanta Sports), Declan O’Kelly (Irish Voice), Andy Watters (Irish News), Seán McGoldrick (Sunday World).

Special mentions go to boxing historian Brian Madden, a staunch supporter of this project, and Mel Christle, the President of the Boxing Union of Ireland, as well as Brendan Galbraith (BoxRec News), Leonard Gunning of Boxing Ireland, David Kelly of the Belfast Telegraph and Niall Doran who runs a popular boxing blog. Also a word for the guys at Boxing News who I have worked with over the past few years as a correspondent and I meet up with occasionally when they venture over to Ireland. I am also a big fan of boxing podcasts, in particular the Boxing Asylum Nuthouse and Boxing Coalition which both provide hours of entertainment.

If you enjoy this book and get a spare minute then a quick rating and review on Amazon or a ‘like’ on our Facebook page would be very much appreciated. You can follow all of our activities via Twitter @irishboxreview, or over at facebook.com/irishboxingreview and Google Plus. Thanks to Sarah Michelle Lynch of SML Publishing (@SarahMichelleLy) for once again doing an excellent job formatting the Review and Marty McColgan for his cover design work. Russell Pritchard’s fine camera skills are on display as usual with the snap of Phil Sutcliffe Jnr that adorns our front cover.

Don’t forget to follow on Twitter: @BelfastBoxing - @boxing_belfast - @Dublin_Boxing - @LoveIrishBoxing - @Irishboxingcom - @Greenjab and many more.

Enjoy the latest version of the Irish Boxing Review.

Regards, Steve Wellings

Photograph: Steve with Jeff Mayweather

The Fight Score Collector

Few other points of interest evoke such strong debate as the scoring of fights. Observers with many years of experience viewing or participating in the sport can watch and score a fight so differently. There are many variables to take into consideration. Some prefer aggression and will always favour the aggressor in a fight. This can often be construed as dangerous if the aggression is not particularly effective. If punches are being blocked or slipped by an opponent then how effective is the aggressor’s output? If the fighter blocking and slipping is countering with shots then he should in theory be taking the points. If he is not countering then there could be an argument to award rounds to the fighter who is perceived to be “doing more” or forcing the fight.

So before I write myself into a completely confusing loop I think this illustrates the problems we have when it comes to scoring boxing matches. Are we too influenced by a television commentary team? If this is the case then there may be an argument for turning the sound down to avoid scoring bias (some might even cheekily suggest this to be advisable if Jim Watt is commentating – sorry Jim).

Do you prefer front-foot aggressors, accumulative punchers or slicker back-foot operators? It is very subjective and often the finer points of rounds can descend into semantics. Some people argue strongly for CompuBox numbers, where ringside boffins frantically push buttons during a fight to statistically record how many punches the combatants are throwing and landing and to what areas of head and body. This offers a nice guide or indicator in my opinion of how a fight is going but various factors surrounding these numbers must be taken into consideration. How hard are the punches landed? How accurate? Do they take into account ring generalship or the natural ebbs and flows of a prize fight? How precise are the final numbers? Interestingly, CompuBox issue a very clear disclaimer on their website distancing themselves from any scoring controversy.

“The CompuBox stats in no way, shape or form, determine a winner of a fight. The stats are used to enhance a telecast, show the estimated barometer of activity by both fighters and paint a picture of the activity on a round-by-round basis. Even though our database of over 5,000 fights (and counting) shows that a fighter that throws and lands more punches will win 90% of the time, the 10 point judging system clearly is the only way to determine winners in a fight.”

As I write, just two weeks’ ago, there was a perfect case in point between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Erislandy Lara who battled it out in Las Vegas with Mexico’s Alvarez claiming a split decision victory over his Cuban adversary. As discussed in the paragraphs above, there was plenty of debate as to who fans’ believed had taken this decision. Wide-ranging scorecards of observers and pundits awarded Alvarez the fight by margins of one to six points, with many totalling a draw and others going out by the same five or six point margins in favour of Lara.

I listened to many well-respected observers discussing the ins and outs of that fight on varfious boxing podcasts. Some thought Lara was outboxing Alvarez clearly while others said he was avoiding punches successfully but not throwing enough in return and his movement too quickly became out-and-out running and plain avoidance of engagement. Opposing arguments claimed that Alvarez was landing plenty of body work, while others seek to discredit the efficacy of body work and put more emphasis on head punches. CompuBox numbers were again brought into the mix and the fact that Alvarez was rolling forward but not cutting the ring off enough (and actually landing clean shots) was also cited. That fight was a perfect indication of the complexity surrounding how we reach a scoring consensus.

Following on from this, the authoritative BoxRec Encyclopaedia explains in more detail how to score a fight:

“There are typically three judges for each fight, who calculate points as follows: If a judge deems that fighter A has out-boxed fighter B in a round, then s/he will score the round 10 points for fighter A, and 9 points for fighter B. If fighter B is knocked down by fighter A, and receives a standing count, then the round is scored 10 points to fighter A and 8 points to fighter B. If the judge decides that neither fighter won a round, then he will score it 10 points to each fighter. If a fighter is penalized by the referee (such as for multiple low blows), then the referee will turn to each ring-side judge individually and instruct him to deduct a point for that fighter from their score card for that round. The referee collects the judges’ scorecards after every round and delivers them to the ring-side commissioner. At the end of the fight, the points are totaled to arrive at a decision (win, loss, or draw).”

While this sets out a framework of how to score, the reality is often more complex and quite often ends in debate or controversy, with the scoring of individual fights being such a subjective business. Fight scribe Monte D. Cox explains it well on his personal website (see link at end of article) and even though his piece was penned in 1999 (and uses fantastically nostalgic cases of De La Hoya-Quartey and Lewis-Holyfield as examples) it remains relevant today. Cox breaks matters down into concise quarters, namely: effective aggression, defence, ring generalship and clean and hard punching.

After every notable fight Bobby Hunter of the Fight Score Collector blog sets about collecting and collating scorecards from the great and good of boxing journalism (both print and online) to try and gauge the general feeling and opinion of how a fight played out.

Like many boxing fans Bobby fell for the sport through the Rocky films and started attending a boxing club in his teens. He was, however, unable to have any fights as he played goalkeeper for Clydebank FC in an amateur capacity. Despite enjoying the training side of things, being a goalkeeper meant there was too much risk that he could sustain an injury but he persisted with pugilism after leaving Clydebank at age 16. Within three months, following a sixth shoulder dislocation, Bobby was forced to call time on his short boxing career.

Now a keen observer of fights and collector of scorecards Hunter lists his favourite fighters as Joe Frazier (“without doubt a fighting machine, that’s the way a man should fight”); Evander Holyfield (“a warrior”) and the late Arturo Gatti. Basically the type of sluggers he describes as, “the blood and guts guys.” His favourite fights include Frazier-Ali I, Holyfield-Bowe II and Gatti-Ward I. We grabbed a word with Bobby recently to discuss the often controversial issue of judging and scoring boxing matches.

The Fight Score Collector service that you run is an excellent and informative resource that helps to provide more clarity around the scoring of fights. How did you come up the idea of collecting scorecards from writers, pundits and respected boxing people?

I have always been interested in stats and the scoring of fights. I can remember having notebooks of fights I scored way back to the early 90s when I really started to watch and score the fights I was watching. The Fight Score Collector idea came from one of the American boxing magazines, I think it was Boxing Illustrated, which provided the judges’ cards for the world title fights that had taken part the month before, along with a small summary. I also saw on Boxrec that for some of the biggest fights a media score collection was added to the notes so I merged the two ideas together then went round all the boxing media I knew through magazines etc and followed them on Twitter. I also contacted the main boxing forums and asked if I could post my findings for each fight as there are always scoring debates on the forums. Up until joining Boxing News on September 13 I had also collected fan scores. That’s basically how I started and after nearly two-and-a-half years I’m still going strong.

Is there a single formula for scoring fights or is it subjective and personalised to each judge or observer regarding what they like to see?

It’s definitely subjective and personalised to each judge or person watching a fight. I try to break the round up into three parts (each minute) and go from there. Some rounds can be difficult to score when one fighter is landing more punches but the other is landing single, more hurtful, punches. TV viewers can also be influenced by the commentators and I have read that quite a few hardcore fans turn the volume down when a big fight is on.

Since starting the Fight Score Collector website what things have you learned about scoring a fight or about boxing in general that you were not aware of before starting the service?

Regarding the scoring I have always been very clued-up on how a fight is scored from reading articles from governing bodies’ seminars etc over the years. I have also been very lucky to have some of the UK’s best refs chat on social media about how they score a fight. It’s always interesting to hear what they look out for when they are officiating a contest.

How do you collect the scores after the fight? Is it a case of trawling forums or emailing pre-arranged individuals for their score totals?

I get most of my scores from Twitter as I follow most of the boxing media. At the end of a fight I just tweet the media member for their score. Some I wait until I see them tweeting about the fight as I don’t want to ask for a score when they have not watched the fight as it could ruin the result for them. Another way I collect scores is through the newsnow site. They provide links to boxing reports from all over the word.

Do you think that all fight scoring should be left to a set of three judges or is there a place for referees scoring the fights on their own (as is the case across the UK and Ireland in smaller bouts and used to be the case in British title fights).

This is a tough one as I know cost can be an issue. I do prefer three judges scoring every fight with the referee left to concentrate on officiating the bout. I have heard talk about using five judges as an experiment, for example like in the amateurs, but again I’m not a fan of that.

Do you always score the fights that yourself that you watch live or on TV or do you sometimes just watch without scoring and leave it to others?

Any fight I watch I score (laughs). Bit of a bad habit. I have been doing it since my teens, four-six-eight rounders, anything.

What do you think of the WBC’s open scoring system?

The WBC open scoring I think is a bad idea. It can affect the way a boxer fights if he is so far ahead or it can lead to a fighter quitting if he feels he is in the fight but finds out he is miles behind. The current system is probably the best.

In your personal opinion what would you say constitutes a “robbery”? To elaborate more, does it have to be given to the perceived winner by a wide margin or if it’s close does it still count as a poor decision even though it could’ve swung either way etc

The worst robbery I have ever seen is the Pernell Whitaker-Jose Ramirez I fight in Paris in ‘88. I scored the fight 118-110 Whitaker. The co-commentator I think was Angelo Dundee and he scored it 117-111 for Whitaker but two of the judges scored for the Mexican. Lou Duva, Whitaker’s coach, went crazy at the bell accusing the WBC president of corruption. The winner was to fight a certain Julio Cesar Chavez. A robbery or a bad score I think is when a fighter who probably wins eight of the rounds is denied by the judges. The recent Ricky Burns-Ray Beltran fight was classed as a robbery but I saw it a close but clear win for Beltran. For that fight the average press score was 115-112 (seven rounds to five) but Beltran had the knockdown.

You recently started working with the highly-respected Boxing News magazine. How did that venture come about and what’s it like working with the BN?

I started doing some work for Boxing News straight after the Burns-Beltran fight. The guys at BN always sent me their scores for the big fights but the Editor gave me an email after that fight and asked if I could do the scoring article for BN. I couldn’t refuse as I am a big fan of the magazine and site. It has also led to more work covering most of the small hall bills in the west of Scotland. Working for BN is excellent and the amount of exposure the scoring articles gets is crazy especially after a big fight.

Link References:

http://coxscorner.tripod.com/scoring.htm

http://compuboxonline.com/

http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/How_to_Score_a_Fight

http://fightscorecollector.blogspot.co.uk/

‘Fighting Words’: Feature Interview with Boxing Author David Greisman

David Greisman has written for BoxingScene.com since 2004 and for The Ring magazine since 2012. He’s also had boxing articles published on MaxBoxing.com, USAToday.com, and a couple of other news outlets. David released his first book Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing in 2013.

Who are your favourite fighters, active at the moment, and why do you enjoy watching them?

I enjoy the fighters who compel us to watch, whether it is through demonstrations of superiority over other contenders and titleholders, or whether it is via toe-to-toe action. But beyond that, I enjoy storylines, and so the ascent of Ruslan Provodnikov (before his loss to Chris Algieri) had been great to watch, never mind the entertainment he brings in the ring. Sergio Martinez is someone I remember seeing go toe-to-toe with Archak TerMeliksetian on the non-televised undercard of a show in Connecticut, so it’s been interesting to see how much he’s accomplished so late in his career.

When did you become a boxing fan and which fighters or fights helped lure you in?

I grew up, like many kids of my era, playing Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out on the Nintendo, and then whatever other boxing video games came out. Beyond that, my father watched boxing, which meant that I caught the fights on occasion as well. I remember coming home from work when I was younger and seeing guys like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Shane Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya, Tito Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, Lennox Lewis and the Klitschko brothers. I was reeled in by the big moments — Barrera’s fights with Morales, Hopkins dissecting Trinidad, Rahman knocking out Lewis and then Lewis getting his revenge, Ricardo Mayorga stunning Vernon Forrest, Corrie Sanders destroying Wladimir Klitschko. And then there were Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward. I don’t really have favorite fighters anymore in that there’s no one I root for; I root in favor of a good story. Gatti was the one guy for whom I had difficulty staying unbiased.

We hear a lot about how boxing is in decline and not as good as it used to be. Do you have any sympathy for this point of view? Or is it just the same old rhetoric that comes around every so often, stemming from various factors including television coverage of the sport (or lack of), a dearth of crossover stars or a poor heavyweight division?

I won’t speak to how fighters from past eras might stack up against those of this one. What we can acknowledge is that boxing (in the United States, at least) is far from as popular as it once was, or even watched by as many people as watched it a handful of years ago. There are a few factors that feed into each other. For one, there are fewer boxing gyms than there once were, as boxing is a sport that fewer people are competing in. The sport is no longer aired on wider platforms in the United States; Olympic boxing is relegated to a lesser channel, and the American team hasn’t been anywhere near as successful. And it is expensive to follow the sport, paying for cable, premium cable and then pay-per-view.

Last year you brought out your first book entitled Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing. The book is a compilation of 63 articles you have written over your years covering the sport. What made you decide to write and publish Fighting Words and how has it been received by readers and the boxing community?

I’ve been fortunate to cover boxing for the past decade. I love the stories that come from boxing, and I’m proud of several of the stories that I’ve been able to tell. Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing brings those stories together. Taken separately, they bring us back to phenomenal fights and pivotal people. Taken together, the book paints a picture of the highs and lows seen during five years of boxing.

Do you have any plans to write further books on boxing?

I’ve got two books in mind.

Who are your own personal favourite boxing writers past or present and why do you enjoy reading their work?

There are so many, and I’m afraid I’ll leave someone off. I enjoy the work of my BoxingScene and Ring Magazine colleagues, including Jake Donovan, Cliff Rold, Tom Gerbasi, Bart Barry, Bernard Fernandez, Thomas Hauser and Joe Santoliquito. There are the reporters you must follow, such as Rick Reeno, Kevin Iole, Dan Rafael and Chris Mannix. I wish Eric Raskin and T.K. Stewart still covered boxing as often as they used to, but I’m happy whenever I get to see their bylines. I have great respect for Doug Fischer of RingTV.com and Tim Starks of The Queensberry Rules. I’m proud of Ryan Songalia and the way he’s blossomed through the years. And the best boxing book I’ve ever read was Cut Time, by Carlo Rotella.

Can you tell us some of the fights and shows you have been ringside for during your time covering the sport and maybe pick out some of the most memorable ones that come to mind and why they were so special?

By far, the most memorable fight I’ve been ringside for was one in which I wasn’t supposed to be ringside. I had bought a ticket to the Paul Williams-Sergio Martinez rematch in Atlantic City, doing so because I originally hadn’t been sure that I’d be able to attend and cover the bout. I ended up on press row as Martinez scored his amazing one-punch knockout of Williams.

I’ve been fortunate to be ringside for some exceptional nights: Marcos Maidana beating Adrien Broner, Carl Froch coming back to stop Jermain Taylor with just seconds to go, Miguel Cotto getting revenge on Antonio Margarito and bringing on the roars at Madison Square Garden, and Cotto’s crowd in New York City celebrating while he obliterated Sergio Martinez to become the middleweight champion.

Other notable nights: My first fight as a reporter was Mike Tyson’s last fight, when he lost to Kevin McBride; and Cotto’s fight with Yuri Foreman at Yankees Stadium. I love electric atmospheres, and the best ones have been at Cotto fights; in Montreal, which has a great boxing scene; in the New Jersey city of Newark, where the Polish fans filled the arena to see Tomasz Adamek.

Can you tell us about some of the more memorable interviews you’ve had with boxers and which fighters you most enjoyed talking to?

Paulie Malignaggi is as good off-camera as he is on-camera. He also speaks so quickly that a three-minute interview can give you 10 minutes’ worth of material. Deontay Wilder is a good interview. Bernard Hopkins of course is excellent to chat with. But what I’ve really enjoyed is speaking with fighters right before they’re about to face each other. Randy Couture and James Toney both met with the press prior to their bout in the UFC, and I was able to play their commentary into my story of their brief fight. The same thing came before the fight between Ruslan Provodnikov and Chris Algieri. Their backgrounds were so different, and their quotes so insightful, and all of that fit perfectly into my column about Algieri’s upset decision over Provodnikov.

Beyond that? I’ve enjoyed chatting with former fighter Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, who now works as a trainer. Female fighter Kaliesha West was charismatic, had a great story and provided one of the longer conversations I’ve had with a boxer. Guys like B.J. Flores and Caleb Truax provide good quotes — Truax is such a fan of the sport that I sometimes feel like I’m talking with a buddy, the kind of buddy skilled enough to have your back in a bar fight.

Please give us the names of some fighters that you think will become stars or more popular over the next few years that we may not have heard much about yet.

Demetrius Andrade is just beginning to get more recognition at 154, and I think he could have the physical tools to make a splash. Julian Williams appears promising at junior middleweight as well. Featherweight titleholder Nicholas Walters impressed me with his win over Vic Darchinyan. I’m also enjoying the rises of Carl Frampton in the U.K. and the Inoue brothers in Japan.

Taking away the politics of TV contracts and promotional wrangling which fights would you love to see made in the future if possible?

Adonis Stevenson vs. Sergey Kovalev at light-heavyweight. Carl Froch vs. Sakio Bika at 168. Gennady Golovkin vs. Peter Quillin at 160. Canelo Alvarez vs. Miguel Cotto somewhere between 154 and 160. Marcos Maidana vs. Ruslan Provodnikov at 147. Heck, Maidana against Brandon Rios/Mike Alvarado or Provodnikov against any Lamont Peterson/Danny Garcia. Pop Mikey Garcia or Abner Mares in with either of the 130-pound Takashis (Miura or Uchiyama). Mares vs. Evgeny Gradovich or Nonito Donaire would also be wonderful. Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton or Kiko Martinez at 122.

What is your opinion of the Irish boxing scene or Irish fighters in general? Are there any current Irish professionals or amateurs that interest you?

I can’t say I’m overly familiar with the scene, though I know there isn’t much depth in Ireland right now, while there are some notable names in Northern Ireland. I think it’s important for boxing in general to build good boxing scenes in as many locales as possible. Hopefully success begets more interest not only from fans but also in local gyms, which then creates more future talent. I’m not sure who that’ll be south of the border, but I am keeping an eye on Carl Frampton of Belfast.

Away from boxing what else sparks your interest and keeps you busy?

I love boxing and writing about it, but anything that gets me away from the television and computer screens is welcome. That means I’ll go hiking, biking or exploring wherever and whenever possible. I like to travel and spend time with friends — though boxing actually provides for both of those. I live in Washington, D.C., and it’s a great city for good food, plenty of culture, and lots to take in.

Where can boxing fans find your work, view your website or contact you via social media?

I have a weekly column, “Fighting Words,” that appears every Monday on BoxingScene.com. I also do news reporting for BoxingScene that shows up throughout the week. I have a monthly column, “Ready to Grumble,” for The Ring magazine, and I do occasional articles for them. My book is available on Amazon, Amazon U.K., and on other countries’ websites. And I can be found on Twitter (@FightingWords2) and on YouTube (youtube.com/fightingwords1). Please feel free to reach out — I love chatting with boxing fans!

Feature Interview with Charismatic Boxing Pundit Ingram Jones of BaylorIC TV

We recently hooked up with boxing pundit and head of BaylorIC Worldwide TV, Ingram Jones. The website and TV station is an independent entertainment television and media outlet which focuses on presenting progressive, positive, and innovative programming bringing the world closer to the viewer. With regards to boxing, Ingram has interviewed some of the best in the world within the trade. More importantly his team pride themselves on “asking the questions the fans want the answers to” via their popular YouTube channel. You can find them online at: http://www.youtube.com/user/bayloric or through http://www.bayloricworldwide.com.

Please tell us a bit more about BayorIC Worldwide TV and the services it provides, particularly aimed at the boxing community.

The main aim of BaylorIC TV, as I am a massive boxing fan, is to give the fighter/manager/promoter/trainer an opportunity to voice their opinions, uncensored. Too many fighters’ personalities are being lost with the amount of censorship today, in my personal opinion, and guests on BaylorIC TV can rest assured they can speak their mind and feel comfortable that what they say in an interview with us will remain that way unless they feel otherwise.

It’s very easy to interview all the top names. However, I have made it the vision of BaylorIC TV to interview those who aren’t getting the media attention. This has had great benefits as, for example, before Keith Thurman was on the world scene as he is now we did the most extended interviews with him.

You have had some pretty forthright (and some would say fair and accurate) views on David Haye’s career antics and his constant pullouts from major fights. What do you make of Haye, as a fighter and a person, and his behaviour towards the boxing publicity? Is he a smart businessman or just taking the public for a ride?

I got a lot of stick for having views about David Haye. However when something is wrong it’s wrong regardless of how charismatic an individual may be. When the Haye and Fury fight had been announced I was in the Caribbean and all the events that led up to two pull outs were so obvious to me simply because I wasn’t sucked into all the hype. David Haye has previously pulled out of fights before, he pulled out of the Charr fight to face Fury and I was never truly convinced he wanted the fight in the first place. Haye has always been an excellent salesman when it comes to building hype for a fight and he has got a great fan base. He is a very exciting fighter and one I would pay to watch. I don’t know what he is like on a personal level but the way he has messed fighters around, in particular Tyson Fury, was quite unprofessional and in my blogs and videos I said the fight wouldn’t go ahead, predicted a retirement and then a return in 2014. Two out of three isn’t bad.

Recent news reflects Haye has recovered from his injury and planning a fight at the end of the year which I actually believe he will go through with. It's not just the fighters that got messed about though, it’s those loyal paying fans that took time off of work, or booked off holiday time to then realise Haye has pulled out of a fight. Just not on. However I believe the British fans are forgiving and before long Haye will be pulling in the crowds again but he will have to fight credible opponents for that to happen and it would be great to see him in a big fight at Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas wouldn’t it? Not just on fight night champion!

Who are your favourite boxers fighting across the globe at any level at the moment and who are some up and coming names you think will hit the big time?

People who have watched BaylorIC TV will know that I enjoy watching Keith Thurman, Bermane Stiverne, Dereck Chisora, Ray Beltran, Bryant Jennings, Carl Frampton, Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank Jnr, Carl Froch, Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, David Haye. There are so many fighters and for different reasons. Some because they hit so hard, others because of their defensive skills and others just because of the hype they cause at press conferences.

Here’s a name to look out for - Rashid Ellis, a former No.1 amateur in the US. I believe he is between lightweight and light-welterweight. Blurring hand speed, good footwork and power and some slick, slick defensive skills.

Away from boxing what else sparks your interest and keeps you busy?

http://www.ingramandtatiya.com<http://www.ingramandtatiya.com/> Ingram and Atiya Enterprise is the name of the company which both my wife and I run. BaylorIC Worldwide TV, The Marriage Tree, Empower U and Djah Music are all sub divisions so as you can imagine there is a lot of work to do. Working with Atiya, who is a relationship coach, is great because it allows me the time to focus on other things and she is phenomenal at what she does.

We are really looking forward to producing more television shows and TV series. I still enjoy doing the interviews and looking to produce more documentaries. Outside of that when I can I love to play Football Manager 2014 and no I wouldn’t be playing Wayne Rooney on the left hand side of midfield!

We hear that the sport of dying and never as good as in the old days, while major TV networks and promoters across the world refuse to work together and often the biggest and fights don’t get made. What do you think of the state of boxing overall at the moment?

I have never been of the belief that the sport is dying because as soon as this statement is made we have a big fight which makes everybody happy and we are looking for the next great fight. As for promoters not getting on, I think it’s a great cop-out for fighters to develop padded records and get titles and make money without making meaningful defences which in essence stops the big fights from happening. The question here is - are the promoters interested in making records? If so then they should all become djs because that’s the record making business. Are they interested in making outstanding, legendary fighters? This can only happen if the best are fighting the best. Also we are losing our fighters, in the UK at least, to a lack of real coverage which focuses on the fighters personalities rather than just the same old one liners and fighters that seem to have personality are stereotyped as “arrogant” or “thinks too much of themselves” which all the top fighters had back in the day so what’s the problem with that? Those who talk a good game and can promote themselves are more likely to pack out a stadium. It’s harder to sell a fighter with zero personality and that’s just a fact.

Developments with Golden Boy with many high profile names leaving should be interesting; will we get more fights made in the near future? Let’s see.

Do you have knowledge of or connections with the Irish boxing scene and its fighters? Which Irish boxers do you think can make it big in the future?

Team Fury whose head coach Peter Fury I have spoken to on a number of occasions alongside Hughie and Tyson Fury whom I believe have Irish connections.

My knowledge of Irish boxing isn’t that bad. Dave McAuley I would watch box on BBC Television with Harry Carpenter; Steve Collins when he challenged Chris Eubank for his title, Matthew Macklin, Andy Lee and of course Barry McGuigan. I wished the fight between McGuigan and Azumah Nelson had happened, that would have been a super-fight. Sadly I caught the tail end of Barry’s career - the fight with Steve Cruz and his fight with Jim McDonnell.  Wayne Mccullough was another fighter I watched not only win the world title but fight in some fantastic matchups. Wayne was so durable and a talented boxer, if only he was a power puncher. His fight against Prince Naseem Hamed is still memorable.

I think Carl Frampton could go on to become a great Irish fighter in the future if he is managed carefully. What I mean by this is taking the right fights at the right time. He has all the talent in the world but that doesn’t mean we should throw him to the lions, rather get him in fights that are testing but not fights where every fight will be a war, which causes burnout and his career therefore is shortened. I’m sure his management team are doing a fine job and can appreciate my thoughts.

I interviewed Naseem Hamed, a great fighter who I have the upmost respect for and still regard him as Britain’s greatest sports entertainer. He said on camera that he rates Frampton very, very highly and for him to say that, it’s saying a lot because Naz has always been one to say it like it is. I believe Frampton vs. Quigg should happen as soon as Frampton becomes world champion and I expect him to beat Martinez and then enter a unification matchup with Quigg.

Thanks for speaking with us and best of luck with all future activities. Don’t forget you can follow all of Ingram’s projects through the links detailed above.

Unbeaten Cruiserweights Ready to Rumble in Belfast’s ‘Celtic Clash’ – 10th September 2013

Cruiserweight duo Declan Trainor and Stephen Reynolds will battle it out for possession of the newly revamped Celtic Nations title in Belfast’s Devenish Complex on September 14. Both men are currently 2-0 as professionals but that belies the vast amount of quality amateur experience that the pair bring to the ring. 25-year-old Trainor has so far lived up to his ‘Terminator’ moniker by dispatching both of his opponents in the opening round while 40-year-old ‘Block’ Reynolds has enjoyed a solid points win over Moses Matovu and a second-round stoppage.

“I want the hard fights now, I wouldn’t turn any fight down so I won’t avoid Reynolds,” said Trainor, who trains in Belfast’s Kronk gym and is managed by Mark Dunlop. “Mark has delivered outside the ring and now it’s my time to deliver in the ring and chalk up another Kronk title. There’s a great buzz about the Kronk gym at the moment, all the boys are flying and there are some great prospects and talent. James Tennyson just won the Irish title and hopefully Dan McShane picks up his first title on this bill as well. So the energy is high and we are all looking to achieve our goals.”

Trainor has been sharpening the tools by sparring former Reynolds victim Matovu and the Warrenpoint man is not underestimating the threat posed by his well-supported opponent who will be bringing a sizeable fan base up from Sligo.

“I’m certainly not taking Reynolds for granted,” added Declan. “He is a five-time Irish senior champ and a very hard trainer who can bang with both hands. I’ll be wary of him for the first couple of rounds and let my boxing take over. It will be tit-for-tat for a while and then explode into a war. We both want it bad. I want it more.”

Meanwhile, Ballinacarrow man Reynolds -who competed at the World Boxing Championships way back in 2001, bowing out to eventual bronze medallist Sultan Ibragimov - is looking to sustain his late surge to title glory by tackling an opponent 15 years his junior.

“I got a great start to the pro game but it all went quiet in the last six months due to shows being called off and quality opponents not being available, but that’s all changed now and I’ve got the biggest challenge of my boxing career ahead of me against Declan Trainor for the Celtic Nations belt,” stated Reynolds. “My opening fight versus Matovu was a real eye opener to be honest. I knew the jump from amateur code to the pros was a big one and I learned on my debut not to underestimate these guys or it could be lights out.

“I know it’s a risky fight and a lot of people are making Trainor a favourite to beat me in Belfast but I haven’t got the time to hang around and fight soft opponents. At my stage I haven’t time to waste, I want the best in Ireland and I want them now. It’s a really evenly matched fight but I know my strength and experience will be enough to overcome Trainor’s speed and youth on the night.”

Reynolds’ manager Leonard Gunning, who is promoting the show alongside Mark Dunlop, reckons that despite his advancing years ‘Block’ can call upon a combination of superior strength and fitness to help the veteran prevail.

“Stephen has been a revelation since turning pro. No one comes into a pro ring in better condition than Stephen and I know how hard he works to get himself in that shape. We know he hasn’t got another ten or 15 years left in his career like regular boxers who turn professional, so his acceleration through the ranks is on fast forward.

“It makes exciting viewing for the droves of supporters that travel from Sligo to watch his fights. This is a very risky fight for Stephen, he could have taken a much softer fight and built his record up to 10-0 but he is always pushing for hard fights and now he has gotten his wish,” said Gunning.

The ‘Celtic Clash’ show also features 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Paddy Gallagher who is looking to make up for a slow start to his career since handing in the vest and headguard. Gallagher is joined by former Irish title challenger Joe Hillerby as well as Belfast crowd pleaser Daniel ‘Insane’ McShane, the ‘Buncrana Banger’ John Hutchinson and Ireland’s only female pro boxer Christina McMahon. Oisin Fagan has also been added to the card.

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called Reynolds vs. Trainor – 15th September 2014

“In a brutal and bloody war Stephen ‘Block’ Reynolds eventually overcame the titanic effort of Declan Trainor to stop his younger foe in the sixth round and dramatically claim the Celtic Nations cruiserweight title in Belfast on Saturday night. Fight fans gasped at the ferocity of the seesaw battle that had everything - double knock-downs, momentum swings, blood and unwavering bravery – all on raw display that charged an electric atmosphere in the jam-packed Devenish venue. The packed out Devenish (formerly Emerald Roadhouse) venue generated a rapturous atmosphere that was every bit as loud and vocal any small hall show that this writer has attended in the UK and Ireland, including the much-celebrated Hard Knocks shows.” Brendan Galbraith, BoxRec.com

“Experience prevailed over youth as Stephen Reynolds claimed the Celtic Nations cruiserweight title after an epic six-round war with Warrenpoint’s Declan Trainor.” Cormac Campbell, The Irish News

Frampton Would Consider Galahad Fight But Parodi the Priority – 24th September 2013

Carl Frampton has admitted that a future fight with Kid Galahad is not totally out of the question but the Sheffield mouthpiece would need to beat some more highly-ranked opposition before it could be seriously considered. Speaking at a recent Europa Hotel press conference, arranged to announce the undercard for the October 19 homecoming, Frampton addressed comments made by Galahad and promoter Mick Hennessy on Channel 5 last Saturday after the Kid stopped James ‘Jazza’ Dickens in a British title fight.

“Kid Galahad is just a wannabe Naz,” smiled Frampton. “I had Galahad one round up in the fight but apparently he was behind on all three judges’ scorecards. Dickens just ran out of steam because he killed himself to make the weight and I said beforehand that the fight depended on how tight Dickens was at the weight. After eight rounds he really tired and caught a nice shot from Galahad who now thinks he’s a monstrous puncher, but he’s not. I’ll fight anyone but he’ll need to beat someone in the world top 100 first and win another couple of fights at that level.”

Putting this aside, Carl has been focusing hard on his next fight, a clash with Frenchman Jeremy Parodi that will hopefully result in Frampton emerging victorious and cementing his shot at the IBF super-bantamweight title. ‘The Jackal’ has been enjoying some quality sparring in Belfast and in his London training camp.

“I’ve done a lot of sparring with local lads like James Tennyson and Mark O’Hara who’s a good amateur from Holy Trinity,” explained the reigning EBU king. “I’ve also sparred Ben Jones who’s WBO European champion and a decent fighter. We are looking to pick it up again and potentially bring someone in from Mexico or the States to be chief sparring partner. I’m feeling fit, the ear has healed and my weight is pretty good for this stage.”

After Kiko Martinez shocked Colombian string bean Jonathan Romero in America to claim the IBF belt, Cyclone Promotions’ supremo Barry McGuigan has been closely monitoring developments between the Spanish powerhouse and the next challenger in line, South African Jeffrey Mathebula.

“One [promotional outfit] is trying to put it on in Spain and the other’s trying to put it on in America, plus South Africa is being talked about but I’m not sure they have the money to put it on in South Africa. My guess is that it will be on in America. Martinez’s manager Sampson Lewkowicz is still negotiating and if a deal can’t be agreed then they will go to purse bids,” explained McGuigan.

Daniel McShane Looking to Build on British Masters Title Success – 24th September 2013

Rising super-featherweight Daniel McShane is looking to push his career forward after claiming a first professional title. With the British Masters Bronze belt strapped around his waist, Daniel is now eager to move on and add Irish or British titles to his collection.

“I was meant to fight for an Irish title but the opponent that we offered the fight to didn’t take it and I can’t say his name but he was obviously getting better money for a different fight,” revealed the well-supported 19-year-old.

“An Irish title would be great, it’s always what I’ve wanted in the pro game, even though I think that a British title is maybe better ranked. Being from Ireland I’d obviously love to win an Irish title but either way it’s definitely on to bigger and better things for me.”

“McShane has excited Belfast fight fans since turning professional in October 2012 with a crowd-pleasing victory at the Ulster Hall and the youngster has notched up six wins since then, with three opponents falling early. An eight-round points success over Zoltan Kovacs at The Devenish venue on September 14 has pushed ‘Insane’ to the next level. Daniel leaves no stone unturned in his training and preparation, which takes place under the watchful eye of Tony Dunlop and his Kronk training team.

“I train for every fight like a world champion and I felt super fit after a phenomenal training camp,” enthused McShane when recalling the win over Kovacs. “I remember coming in after a round and asking what round it was; Tony told me it was coming up to the seventh and I thought it was only the fourth so that showed how fit and ready I was for the fight. I hit the fella with everything I could but he just wouldn’t go down, he kept holding and using the head. My manager and coaches have done a fantastic job with me so I have to thank them for that. I had been scheduled for eight rounds before [against Ignac Kassai in Dundalk] but I knocked the guy out so this was the first eight rounds that have gone the distance.

“I was sparring with Carl Frampton coming up to the Kiko Martinez fight and James Tennyson is my club mate and sparring partner. I’ve been in with Marco McCullough who’s fighting Willie Casey for the Irish title and he is absolutely buzzing at the minute as well. I’ve been sparring top amateur Gary McKenna and a cousin of mine, Manuel Cadell, who has been out for a few years but was a top amateur and he’s back at it now.”

Away from the ring Daniel works in a local barbers shop and was busy giving out haircuts to the same boxers that he is now sharing gyms with across Belfast. McShane has also been promised a slot on BoxNation TV when he joins the cast of the ‘Frampton Comes Alive’ undercard. He plans on dusting off the now familiar Hannibal Lecter mask before announcing himself to a television audience in much the same way that he sprung on to the domestic scene almost a year ago.

“I’ll be shown live on TV and for me at 19 years of age boxing on live television as a British Masters Bronze champion it’s hard to beat,” he said. “I’ve been working hard on adapting to the pro game because at the start, to be honest, I was very dirty and I was just doing anything to win, but now I’m full-on boxing and I feel settled in. I can box on the back foot and on the front foot; I can fight and bring it all to the table. From the amateur game to the pro game I’ve found it a totally different experience. You’re coming out and the crowd is buzzing, your adrenaline’s buzzing and you don’t want to make yourself look like a fool and get beaten in front of your home crowd and family. That pressure and the nerves get on top of you so you’re doing everything and anything just to get that win. I showed on Saturday night [against Hungary’s Kovacs] what I can do so no matter whom my manager or coaches being to the table I can wipe them out.”

‘Big Bang’ Is Back and Ready for McCullough Title Test – 25th September 2013

Willie Casey makes a welcome return to the ring on October 19 when the likeable Limerick southpaw contests the Irish featherweight title against Belfast’s Marco McCullough. Promoter Barry McGuigan is also hoping to put the WBO European title on the line and is currently negotiating with WBO representative Istvan ‘Koko’ Kovacs to try and make that happen.

“This fight could be the one to get things going and it will be a great show and card with a bit of pressure on everyone, especially with TV being on board,” said Casey.

“When you’ve been out of the ring for so long it would be good to have one or two warm-up fights but I don’t think I would do the same kind of training for a warm-up fight that I’ve been doing for this. It’s a very competitive fight at featherweight even though I’m giving up a lot of height and weight being a super-bantamweight but I haven’t fought in so long. I’m not gifted with the luxury of having top class promoters that can run shows and it’s getting very quiet but once the opportunity came and my team phoned me I took it straight away. Regardless of how long I’ve been out I’ve always kept a positive mind, just hoping that one fight could just kick something off for me.”

McCullough’s trainer John Breen described Casey as a “hard wee man” but believes that McCullough is one of the best featherweights in the country and can beat the former Prizefighter champion. Marco was scheduled to fight Jon Slowey for the Celtic title on the recent Ricky Burns-Raymundo Beltran undercard in Scotland but had to withdraw with an injury. That would have been a winnable fight for the 23-year-old, even on away soil. McCullough has long coveted a crack at ‘Big Bang’ Casey and reckons the time is right for him to step forward and ignite his own career.

“This is a big step-up for me because everyone knows Willie Casey and what he’s done. He won the European title, but this is where I want to be,” said Marco, currently 7-1 (4 KOs). “I need fights like this and he hasn’t fought in a year so he needs this fight as much as I do to get his career back on track. I’m expecting a good fight.”

Conlan Looking to Get Back to Business Against France’s Azaouagh – 26th September 2013

Jamie Conlan will look to put a frustrating spell of inactivity behind him with a WBO European super-flyweight bout against in-form Frenchman Hasan Azaouagh on October 19. Jamie has rued a series of missed opportunities so far during his four-year career and realistically would probably like be further on, ideally having fought for British or Commonwealth titles. But with promotional roadblocks and a run of misfortune getting in the way of progress, the undefeated stylist has been unable to realise his vast potential. He is hoping that a televised title bout against dangerman Azaouagh will finally see matters take a turn for the better.

“This is going to be a great opportunity to showcase my skills as part of a new era of boxing in Belfast,” said Conlan. “I’ve seen Azaouagh fight; he beat Thomas who was an Olympic medallist. He looks tall and relies on knockout power rather than a big workrate but I’m looking forward to it. The rounds in sparring and the heat in the gym is unreal so when the fight comes around that’s the easy part. Fighting comes naturally so it doesn’t make a difference that I’ve been out for a long time. Sometimes you are training but you don’t know if there’s going to be a fight at the end of it. I don’t want to hit someone and have them fall straight down. I need to prove to my team that I am worthy of their belief.”

Some intense sparring in the furnace-like heat of Breen’s gym will ensure that a lack of actual ring time should cause no issues come fight night for the 26-year-old. Visitor Azaouagh has only been halted once in his 21 fights and stunned undefeated hope Jerome Thomas with a surprise third-round knockout win in January 2012. He has left his native land twice to fight (in Morocco and Germany) and has held domestic titles at flyweight so this experienced competitor is unlikely to be overly intimidated by travelling to Belfast. If Jamie is successful Barry McGuigan reckons that winning a WBO European title should then secure a top-15 world ranking with that same organisation.

Trainer John Breen admitted that he was a pleased but cautious when Cyclone Promotions pulled Azaouagh out of the bag as Conlan’s opponent.

“When Mickey Helliett the matchmaker said he had got this guy who has won nine out of his last ten fights I thought that this isn’t going to be an easy one,” said Breen, “but Jamie has to beat people like this if he’s going to go on and fight for word titles like I believe he can. I went on YouTube and watched his last fight. It’s a hard fight for Jamie but I know he can do it.”

Sutcliffe Reckons Irish Boxing Is Ready to Explode Again – 30th September 2013

During the recent boom time of Irish boxing Phil Sutcliffe worked as part of DolPhil Promotions and was a staple in corners up and down the country, sending fighters like Willie Casey and Anthony Fitzgerald into battle on RTE-televised events.  Despite a lull in high profile shows Sutcliffe reckons the good times are about to start rolling once again with Barry McGuigan’s Cyclone Promotions outfit all primed to run at least three shows in Belfast over the next 12 months. Phil himself is also busy putting the finishing touches together for a show in Dublin on November 2 under his KO Promotions banner. Phil Sutcliffe Jnr will top the bill with Willie Casey looking to feature, providing he can first come through an October 19 Irish title fight with Marco McCullough unscathed.

“I think this scene should kick on now and the tickets are flying out [for the Odyssey show] so the place will be full and we are going to bring a load up from Dublin and Willie will bring a load up from Limerick,” mused Phil. “The November show is to keep the boys busy. We ran a show last year in Tallaght in November in conjunction with Emerald Promotions and we ran one in Dundalk with Mark Dunlop. KO Promotions are going on our own this time and then we’ll roll them out every four months hopefully.”

Phil is delighted to be working once again with talented crowd-pleaser Casey and the Crumlin coach strongly believes that Willie will beat McCullough when the pair clash in the Odyssey Arena. Sutcliffe also sees ‘Big Bang’ as a more rounded fighter nowadays, having benefitted from the training abilities of Paul McCullagh during Casey’s brief stint under the Gary Hyde management banner.

“Of course he’s a better fighter but remember I know how to pull Willie’s strings, how to get him right, and the confidence build-up is there to see. In my opinion Marco McCullough won’t go five rounds with Willie. Young Marco is a very good boy but I think this may be coming a little too soon for him. Featherweight won’t be a problem because Willie’s not losing weight; he’s training hard and keeping sharp. He’s very comfortable at featherweight and we are losing a bit of height with Marco being so tall but that will benefit Willie’s style.

“Willie’s been back with us a few months now, he’s on great form and sparring well, back to his old self. He’s done a few rounds with young Phil, former Senior champion Karl Brabazon and Dean Byrne who’s been home. He’s also been sparring for speed with young Evan and Aiden Metcalfe - he’s had a mixture of good spars.”

Just over three years ago Sutcliffe Snr sat next to Willie Casey in the Ulster Hall at a press conference to announce Barry McGuigan’s Setanta TV deal that would ease Carl Frampton’s progression from prospect to champion. The end goal was seemingly a fight with Casey who was hot property at the time just months on from winning the super-bantamweight Prizefighter tournament live on Sky Sports and making himself a household name. Frampton went on to win the Celtic title as part of the Setanta deal before moving on to forge an agreement with Matchroom while Casey tasted European title success before an ill-fated world title shot at Guillermo Rigondeaux. Alas, the pair took separate paths and never fought. Now Casey is looking to get active and rebuild his career on the same card as headliner Frampton.

“Casey is Irish boxing’s ‘Big Bang’ and with young Sucko (Phil Sutcliffe Jnr) we have two of the biggest hitters in the country here in Dublin with me. The next one could be young Carl (Frampton) as well because he hits very hard too,” opined Sutcliffe.

“We take each fight as it comes and young Phil is fighting just a few weeks later for an Irish title in Dublin against Michael Kelly on our own show. Barry McGuigan is reviving boxing in the North of Ireland with shows on BoxNation and Barry Hearn did a good job with the Prizefighter and bringing the shows here when he had Carl. Barry’s looking for someone tough to fight young Phil, he needs a warm-up fight, because he trains harder in the gym sometimes and gets annoyed when he hits his opponent and they go down. It’s a great bill on October 19 with a cracking undercard and some really hard punchers.”

Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner Set for Debut After Signing with ‘Alio’ Wilton – 2nd October 2013

Irish heavyweight Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner has signed professional terms with Alan Wilton and will make his debut in Belfast’s Holiday Inn on October 12. The heavyweight’s capture is a huge coup for the Belfast team as they fought off serious competition from America, Europe and the UK for the hard-hitting Dublin native’s signature.

Turner - a nine-time Irish amateur champion at various levels - is well known for his aggressive, destructive, all action and hard-hitting style and he will be looking to bring that knockout ability to the professional game. The explosive puncher not only won the Irish Senior Elite Heavyweight Championship in 2013 but has also fought in the World Series of Boxing for the LA Matadors in which his concussive punching with both hands made him a big favourite with the fans.

On two occasions as an amateur he pushed GB heavyweight and Olympic gold medal winner Anthony Joshua the whole way when they met in the ring. Turner is looking forward to making his professional debut in the Holiday Inn and the Dublin wrecking ball is itching to kick things off on the paid circuit.

“I cannot wait to get started in the Holiday Inn and if the knockout is there I will take it, you can count on that,” he said. “There are loads of fans coming to the fight to watch me and I want to give them a good fight, an exciting fight. I want to move up the food chain as fast as I can and no-one is getting in my way.

“If people have not witnessed me in action you can expect loads of knockouts, I am a big puncher and I had loads of stoppages in the amateurs and I intend to keep on knocking out opponents now that I am a professional. I like a good fight, a tear-up and I know that boxing is entertainment and I will entertain. People like knock-outs and I will give the fans what they want,” added Turner.

Respected Panamanian coach Bernardo Checa will be handling Turner’s training regime and the man who already looks after Brian Magee, Paul McCloskey and Eamonn O’Kane is impressed with what he has seen so far.

“He is a very good prospect,” waxed Checa. “He has power in both hands and he has all the tools to go a long way. He is still a work in process, but he has plenty of amateur experience and he has that KO power that all fans like to see. He is out at the Holiday Inn on October 12 and the fans will see then the talent and power he possesses. We are working him hard in the gym and his fitness is improving all the time. Sean is one to watch out for in the coming months and we have very high hopes for him.”

New manager Alan ‘Alio’ Wilton is relishing the opportunity to steer Sean towards title glory and believes that the young slugger, who also goes by the moniker ‘Showtime’, will be a welcome addition to the scene. Turner will certainly liven up the domestic arena with the same appealing combination of heavy-handed power mixed with a vibrant personality that a young Darren Corbett brought along some 15 years previous.

“We are delighted to have signed Sean; he was a top amateur and he has that great ability to knock people out,” said Alio. “He is an exciting come-forward fighter, he loves to fight and he can bang. Fight fans will love him because of his firepower and you will get your first chance to see him as a professional in the Holiday Inn on October 12.

“There will be fireworks when he fights. We believe he is the next big thing in the Irish heavyweight division,” added Wilton, who has since added Martin Rogan to the line-up on October 12.

Frampton Eyes World Title Shot After Impressive Parodi Dismissal – 22nd October 2013

Carl Frampton took another important step towards a world title shot with a comprehensive six-round knockout win over Jeremy Parodi. ‘The Jackal’ brushed off an eight-month ring absence and immediately set about defending his European title against a challenger who arrived in Belfast boasting a 35-1-1 (9 KOs) record. The main event was also billed as an IBF eliminator with a shot at the title now being proposed for early next year. It was a big ask for the diminutive Toulon boxer who had proven his mettle at a credible level but had never left his country and was entering in to a buzzing Belfast that is ready to embrace its next boxing superstar.

Frampton wasted little time controlling centre ring in the raucous Odyssey headliner, forcing Parodi to glide around the perimeter and wait for opportunities to engage. After a lukewarm opener Parodi’s double jab made an appearance in the second-round but the more he reached in the more he received a sharp right hand for his troubles. Frampton (8st 9lbs) landed a sufficient amount to cause a swelling under the Frenchman’s left eye which started to seep blood in the third session. The unbeaten champion was beginning to toy with his man, dropping in left hooks to head and body, moving up the gears as Parodi (8st 9lbs 2oz) tried to hang in as best he could. Jeremy planted his feet in the fifth and toiled hard to get some combinations going but he lacked the power to deter the Tigers’ Bay native.

A lead right uppercut rocked him against the ropes and exacerbated the swelling on his cheek; the volume of the 9,000-strong crowd increased as they sensed his desperation. In the sixth-round Parodi tried to close the gap quicker but Frampton stepped in and punished him with slicing blows. One such flurry at the end of the round culminated in a left hook to the body that caught Parodi flush on the ribs causing a delayed reaction before the 26-year-old dropped to his knees. Italian referee Adrio Zannoni counted him out at 2-59 of the round.

Frampton improves his record to 17-0 (12 KOs) and the three unused judges -Beat Hausammann, Arnold Golger and Grzegorz Molenda- had awarded him every round prior to the stoppage. During Frampton’s ring hiatus, Kiko Martinez bounced back from losing his European title by knockout to winning a version of the world title. The Spaniard defends his IBF super-bantamweight strap on December 21 against Jeffrey Mathebula in Alicante and Barry McGuigan is hoping that his charge will be elevated to fight the winner.

“This was probably my best performance and apart from a couple of marks I didn’t really get hit,” said Frampton. “Every fight I seem to be making bigger and better statements and I dominated that fight from start to finish. I’m ready for a world title and I’ll leave it to the team to decide who I fight next but if they provide the opposition then I’ll knock them out.”

Cyclone Promotions’ supremo McGuigan was equally as enthusiastic: “The truth is that this kid is the best super-bantamweight in the UK and Ireland, there’s no question about that. We are closing in on the top guys. He’s going to be a Box Office fighter.”

In a draining encounter between two well-matched middleweights, Eamonn O’Kane claimed the vacant IBF Intercontinental title with a unanimous decision victory over Kerry Hope. Eamonn had bashed his way eight wins before succumbing to the talented fists of John Ryder last December. That first loss prompted the quality amateur to re-assess his style and switch to the Checa stable to sharpen the skills.

Hope (11st 5lbs) had other ideas, establishing a southpaw jab early and looking relaxed while O’Kane tried to apply pressure and force the Welshman to work. O’Kane (11st 5lbs 10oz) was landing some meaty body shots in the third and appeared to be solving the portside conundrum when midway through the fourth-round Hope suddenly enjoyed success with a swiping right hook. The Merthyr Tydfil man later suffered a nasty gash above the left ear after a clash of heads. Despite registering only one knockout win in 19 fights Hope was able to catch and stun the Dungiven man as he rushed forward. O’Kane’s looping hooks and body attack was working well from the sixth-round onwards as he made life increasingly uncomfortable for his opponent. The tide turned in the 10th as Hope found a way past his mid-fight inertia and became dangerous. O’Kane was visibly tiring and suffering from a multitude of slits across his cheeks and eyeline.

Eamonn sagged and tried to engineer breathers, which proved detrimental when a trip to the canvas saw referee Timo Habighorst dish out a harsh count when no clear knockdown had occurred. O’Kane’s tank was draining but rather than trying to step back and box his way down the stretch the Irish middleweight champion bit down on the gumshield and waded in with some trademark hooks. To ringside observers the decision seemed in the balance but judge Grzegorz Molenda scored it 118-111 with Adrio Zannoni going for 116-112 and Beat Hausammann a more realistic 114-113 all in favour of Eamonn O’Kane.

“Respect to Hope who’s a tough boy. I knew that he was coming out to try and get back to European level,” said O’Kane.

Marco McCullough made a statement by claiming the vacant Irish featherweight title with a ninth-round dismissal of former European champion Willie Casey. Both men had lamented a lack of ring action of late but particularly Casey who has fallen into the boxing wilderness since emphatically losing a world title challenge to Guillermo Rigondeaux. McCullough (8st 13lbs 2oz) possessed the size advantages and made them tell for the majority of the contest, stepping off and peppering ‘Big Bang’ with his jab and boxing smartly from the outside. Willie received a baptism of fire in the early rounds as Marco targeted the body with ruthless intent, forcing the southpaw back to the ropes.

Casey (8st 13lbs 3oz) did manage to time his straight left hands better in the second and  third with Marco dropping his right hand too often and when a welt appeared under the Belfast boxer’s right eye in the fourth it seemed that Casey may be capable of turning it round. This all changed from the fifth session onwards as McCullough reverted to his jab and added a right uppercut to his repertoire. Casey was allowing himself to be outboxed, lingering out of range offering only sporadic swings as he struggled with his big featherweight opponent. Upping the pressure in the ninth McCullough was landing hooks and straight shots galore as Casey stoically absorbed the leather and dropped to the ropes. The Limerick man jumped up too quickly and just about convinced ref Paul McCullagh that he was fit to reconvene. Moments later it was all over as McCullough jumped in for the kill and a seriously unsteady Casey crumbled to the canvas, defeated at 2-45.

In a scheduled 10-rounder super-flyweight prospect Jamie Conlan brushed aside late-notice opponent Walter Rojas with a minimum of fuss. Conlan was originally slated to face Hassan Azaouagh for a WBO European belt but when the Frenchman withdrew it was Argentina’s Walter Rojas that stepped in to fill the gap. Despite a huge percentage of knockout wins on his record it was notable that all three of Rojas’ losses had occurred inside three rounds. Conlan (8st 2lbs 8oz) wasted little time in pushing out his broomstick jab and assaulting the 26-year-old visitor with anything he could land. Even though Walter (8st 1lbs 9oz) tried to buy time with some untidy grappling he was unable to keep Conlan at bay. A sharp right hand from the former Irish amateur champion deposited Rojas to the canvas for a count off third man Michael Alexander. The negative Buenos Aires man was down again just moments later before his corner threw in the towel and it was terminated at 1-51 of the opening round. Conlan, who calls himself ‘The Mexican’, stated how disappointed he was at not getting a title shot but once again made a play for a fight with his domestic rivals.

Ryan Burnett delighted his vast Belfast faithful with a comprehensive second-round victory over Reynaldo Cajina. The Nicaraguan visitor shuffled and posed but offered little in the way of offensive ambition while Burnett (8st 7lbs 3oz) worked behind a relaxed jab, weaving in and out of range searching for a way to unsettle his opponent. Once Burnett found success with a left hook followed by the straight right he repeated the trick until Cajina (8st 11lbs 4oz) could withstand no more. A sustained attack, ending with a right to the body, resulted in Cajina slumping to the canvas for a count. He rose and called for more but Paul McCullagh waved it off at 1-52 of round two leaving Burnett with his third professional win. It was set for four-threes.

In a big undercard shock, local hope James Tennyson was stunned by Pavels Senkovs. Tennyson (now 8-1, 7 KOs) boxed to orders for much of the first session in this six-rounder, but Senkovs landed a couple of clean punches which served as a pre-cursor to the stunning finish. Caught by a solid right hand early in the second Tennyson (9st 3lbs 7oz) was suddenly on wobbly legs and staggering around the ring. Senkovs (9st 5lbs 8oz) landed some follow-up shots that felled the Irish super-featherweight champion but referee Paul McCullagh ruled a slip. James tried to fight back through a haze after the pair were pushed back together but he was hurt and heavily dropped again. Lying against the ropes with a cut left eye, cornerman Tony Dunlop threw in the towel to save his young charge any further punishment at 0-41.

Philip Sutcliffe Jnr recorded his fourth victory (all knockouts) with a fourth-round elimination of Slovakia’s Lubos Priehradnik in a scheduled four-threes. Priehradnik may have resembled Manny Pacquiao in looks but that was where the similarities ended; the away man was willing to throw back but lacked refinement. Steadily upping the pressure throughout and switching stances, Sutcliffe Jnr raked head and body consistently enough to shake Priehradnik and force referee Hugh Russell to intervene at 0-33 of the final round.

In a bad tempered show-closer Daniel McShane finally got rid of Oszkar Fiko when referee John Lowey disqualified the Romanian in the third-round of a four-threes. Lanky Fiko (9st 7lbs 2oz) was removed following a catalogue of misdemeanors including low blows, knees to the groin and blatant headbutts. He was deducted a point in the second and warned repeatedly before the ejection. An increasingly frustrated McShane (9st 6lbs 9oz) was unable to get anything going during the time it lasted.

Show Notes: Frampton will also be busy next weekend when he marries fiancée Christine and embarks on a well-earned break.

Barry McGuigan explained that he and Carl will be ringside in Spain on December 21 for the Martinez-Mathebula fight. “We will be waiting for the winner to step out of the ring and we will be making a substantial offer to come and fight in Belfast,” he said.

No one at the post-fight press conference was particularly drawn to talk about Scott Quigg as a potential future opponent, with Cyclone clearly marking out the IBF route as their preferred choice.

Despite packing 9,000 vociferous fans into the Odyssey it may be that even that venue could be outgrown. The Ravenhill rugby stadium was mentioned as a possibility for an outdoor show next summer.

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called Frampton vs. Parodi – 22nd October 2013

“Carl Frampton’s patient climb to a world title fight appears to be nearly over after a devastating sixth-round knockout of France's Jeremy Parodi retained his European super-bantamweight title. The capacity crowd was represented by all sides of the community. All political emblems and colours were discarded as the crowd united in giving the fighter the deafening reception that he relishes when he boxes at home in Belfast. The crowd stamped their feet and yelled at any offensive inroad from Frampton that left the result looking inevitable, even after the third round. After this victory, the Belfast crowd will be hungry for a proposed IBF title fight after Christmas, and Frampton's desperate wish to get world recognition will surely become a reality.” Jonathan Drennan, The Guardian

“Frampton, 26, was in control from the start, outclassing an opponent beaten just once in 37 previous contests. The contest was billed as an IBF world championship eliminator and promoter Barry McGuigan will now be looking to get his fighter a major title contest. This was Frampton’s first fight since claiming the European crown by beating Kiko Martinez in the ninth round in Belfast in February. Frustratingly for Frampton, though, Spaniard Martinez won the IBF super-bantamweight title in his next fight and the Belfast man's camp are expected to seek a rematch. In July, Frampton had to pull out of a contest at Wembley because of an ear injury.” BBC Sport

“The boxer Carl Frampton retained his European Super Bantamweight title in great style at the weekend and he now looks ready to join the ranks of Ulster’s other legendary world champions, including Rinty Monaghan and Barry McGuigan. The Carl Frampton story has all the elements of a blockbuster, with a possible world title and his impending marriage to a lovely local girl, which crosses the community divides. It is also reassuring to know that in this province, where there is so much division in culture and background, the spectacular success of this young man can unite everyone. Well done Carl and here’s to the future!” Belfast Telegraph

McGuigan Will Drop Big Belfast Offer on Martinez-Mathebula Winner – 23rd October 2013

After spending the last four years serving his boxing apprenticeship Carl Frampton is finally within touching distance of fulfilling Barry McGuigan’s prophecy and strapping a world title around his slender waistline. McGuigan reckons that he might have an easier time coaxing a world champion to Belfast next year if Jeffrey Mathebula upsets the odds on December 21 and snatches the IBF belt from Kiko Martinez. McGuigan also acknowledged remarks made recently by Martinez to the extent that he is eager to get back to Belfast and supposedly end Frampton’s career. Kiko’s latest musings follow along the same lines as what he predicted before their first fight in February of this year. Frampton dispatched the Alicante native in nine rounds on that occasion and Martinez would have to find something special to turn the tide in a rematch.

“We will be ringside on December 21 waiting for the winner of that fight to step out of the ring and we will be making a substantial offer to come and fight in Belfast,” affirmed McGuigan.

“I want it [the next fight] to be for the world title but it would be arrogant of me to suggest that it definitely will be for the world title. I think Mathebula will want a lot of money but we have the right people behind us to get him here. We don’t care if Martinez wins, maybe it’s better, because he’s strong and difficult and comes forward and it will make for a better fight. It’s harder to look exciting with a guy who backs off all the time.”

One guy who made the mistake of backing off from Martinez was Colombia’s Jonathan Romero who resembled an ill-prepared novice when he faced the Spaniard on August 17 in Atlantic City. Romero seemed surprised by Kiko’s style and too quickly allowed the diminutive power puncher to close down the angles and punish him with trademark hooks. Frampton will not be making similar oversights should he end up in a rematch with ‘La Sensacion’ in a bout that will take place early next year if Cyclone Promotions get their wish and bring a world champion to Northern Ireland. Carl recently reiterated his desire to build on his fast-growing Belfast base but has also remarked that he is willing to travel if required. Mentor McGuigan knows the nature of the game from his own ring experiences.

“We wanted all the fights in Belfast during my career but I had to travel for the world title against Pedroza,” reasoned Barry. “I don’t know that Martinez wants to come back here but I sincerely hope that he does because we will be making the offer. I know this business and he [Frampton] will be a superstar. You are talking about the Mayweathers and the Andre Wards but he is a more exciting fighter than all of these because he goes and gets them. I’m telling you that he’s going to be a Box Office fighter.”

To hit these levels ‘The Jackal’ will no doubt have to try his hand in America at some point in the future. His excited manager, who held the WBA featherweight championship during his own heyday, believes that Frampton’s fan-friendly style will be exactly what the ardent fight fans of Las Vegas and New York are interested in.

“We’ve stuck it out with the IBF to win the IBF title and then we are looking at Leo Santa Cruz and America. We want to go to Madison Square Garden and bring this kid to Vegas because I think that’s where he can be a superstar. They’re going to love him out there,” concluded McGuigan.

Shane McGuigan: ‘Frampton Is a Phenomenal Machine’ – 23rd October 2013

Carl Frampton’s trainer Shane McGuigan has revealed the huge number of rounds that his fighter spars in preparation for championship bouts and believes that the Belfastman’s win over Jeremy Parodi shows how close he is becoming to an all-round fighter. Shane was responding to suggestions that Frampton’s cancelled bout on July 20 could have thrown him off course but despite eight months out of the ring the EBU super-bantamweight king remains as sharp as ever.

“He did 210 rounds of sparring for the last fight and 120 for this one,” said Shane, who is no slouch himself when it comes to ripping the body into stellar shape.

“We took the benefits from the last camp and applied them to this camp. He’s a phenomenal machine that’s tearing guys up. We have to hold him back constantly; he destroys top-class lightweights in sparring.”

When Kiko Martinez defends his IBF title in late December both Frampton and Barry McGuigan believes that the Spaniard will retain against South African Jeffrey Mathebula. Shane, however, thinks that Mathebula will emerge victorious and his prediction seems entirely plausible. Jeffrey is after all a former IBF champion who went 12 rounds with Nonito Donaire despite suffering a broken jaw during the bout. He has also gone the championship distance with Celestino Caballero and is tall for a super-bantamweight, so could present stylistic problems for his opponents.

“We’ve already beaten Kiko Martinez so it would be nice to beat Mathebula” added Shane. “He [Frampton] likes tall guys and I believe that Mathebula will beat Martinez even though these two disagree with me. Mathebula is a tough guy who went the distance with Donaire so it will be interesting to see if Carl can get him out of there. We’ve worked so hard to get with the IBF, we are in the right position and once Carl has a world title under his belt then we can go for the others.”

Whoever Frampton fights for the world title, when that shot eventually comes to fruition, there is no doubt that he will be in superb condition and equipped with a world class set of skills that he has honed during four years as a professional. The left hook to the body that finished Parodi on Saturday, October 19 would test the resolve of many world level adversaries.

“It was an unbelievable shot that would’ve knocked out anybody, it was well timed,” agreed McGuigan. “I saw Carl hurt him with a left hook to the body in the first-round and after bouncing the right hooks off his head all night long I thought that we’ve got to start staying inside and start hurting him. You can nit-pick a bit, once or twice he missed with the right hook, but it was perfect timing for the finisher.”

‘I’m Making Bigger Statements in Every Fight,’ Says Frampton – 24th October 2013

Not only is Carl Frampton within touching distance of a world title fight but the undefeated puncher believes that he is doing it in style, turning heads with each and every performance, even though in some deep dark corners of the internet it has been suggested that the latest victim, Jeremy Parodi, was less than stellar opposition. On the contrary, I would argue that the win showed more about the level that ‘The Jackal’ is now operating at if he is able to deal so effectively against a fighter ranked number four by the IBF. Parodi had boxed in good class and was a skilled boxer and I would argue that it was Carl’s own high-quality performance made the fight look so one-sided - not Parodi’s lack of ability.

“I felt great in the ring tonight and I feel I’m getting better as a fighter every time. I’d have been a better 15-round fighter,” buzzed Carl straight after the Odyssey headliner.

“He was a tough guy and he took a lot of stick but I never hit him clean and as soon as I hurt him in the first-round he was punching to be safe rather than punching to hurt me. This was probably my best performance and apart from a couple of marks I didn’t really get hit. The tactics were perfect and Shane was screaming for me to go to the body because I hurt him there before and Shane wanted me to throw it a bit more than I did.

“I hurt him with a body shot in the fifth and you can hit these guys in the head all night but once you go to the body that’s it. I’ve stopped another guy that’s never been stopped before. I’ve been working on fighting in close and I was blocking shots and throwing fast combinations which are what I’ve been working on in the gym. I’ve been hurting people in sparring; creasing big lads with the same shot.”

Frampton believes that he is making bigger and better statements in each fight and he used his wide variety of skills to dominate Parodi from start to finish. Now sporting a faultless 17-0 record with 12 KOs, the 26-year-old says that he is indeed ready for a world title in his next outing and will leave all future negotiations to his team. Once they decide who he fights next then the Tigers Bay puncher has vowed to continue with his rich vein of form and knock the next opponent out. Frampton may soon get so big that he outgrows Northern Ireland’s premier venue, the Odyssey Arena.

“I’d love the world title fight at Seaview [home of his beloved Crusaders football team], outdoors in a big event venue, packing people in,” added Carl, clearly enthused at such a prospect. “I want to fight in Belfast as much as possible but I’ll fight these guys in their own back yard. I’ll go to Spain to fight Kiko if I have to. No disrespect to Parodi but Kiko’s a lot more well-known than he is and people made more noise [for the October 19 fight] which shows how fanatical the support is - it’s amazing. I like to start sparring early and I find it better than doing the pads. I’m getting married and going on the honeymoon so I’ll take it easy but two months away is too long.”

That last comment came as a response to the suggestion that Frampton’s impending marriage might allow him to kick back for two months and let himself go. But slimming down to the super-bantamweight weight limit of 8st 10lbs is tough enough and Frampton joked that once he gets a bit of cellulite in his backside then it’s time to recommence with all dietary restrictions.

On a more serious note, the diluted nature of world title belts currently means that five fighters in the division are calling themselves world champions at present. Guillermo Rigondeaux has the most legitimate claim to being number one having won the WBA belt before adding the IBF to his collection with a victory over Nonito Donaire earlier this year.

As part of some depressingly bizarre governing body politics the exiled Cuban was then elevated to ‘super’ champion by the WBA and the ‘regular’ title was made available to the next available contenders. Bury’s Scott Quigg was later handed the belt on a technicality and defended it against Cuban Yoandris Salinas recently, retaining by way of a majority draw, but some rightly view Quigg’s title as a watered down version. Meanwhile, the IBF took exception to the temerity of Rigondeaux’s double-title-holding excellence and made their belt available for Jonathan Romero and Alejandro Lopez. Colombian puncher Romero defeated Mexico’s Lopez but quickly came unstuck in his first defence against perennial contender Kiko Martinez. Kiko next defends the IBF belt against South Africa’s Jeffrey Mathebula on December 21 in Spain. The final part of the puzzle, Leo Santa Cruz, won the vacant WBC version with a third-round stoppage of Victor Terrazas.

Frampton’s management team have indicated that positive discussions have taken place with Santa Cruz regarding a possible unification bout in America should Frampton take the IBF title from either Martinez or Mathebula. However, Frampton’s former promoter Eddie Hearn is still floating around in the background with rumours circulating that he may try and trump the Belfast boxer’s challenge by offering Martinez a unification with his man Scott Quigg. Strangely, even though Hearn now promotes Quigg he once opined on film that his man (at the time) Frampton would knock Quigg out should the pair ever meet in the ring.

McGuigan Reveals Sparring Woes and Targets America Not Quigg – 26th October 2013

Barry McGuigan believes that the reason behind Carl Frampton’s unbeaten professional run is simply due to the unquestionable truth that he is the best super-bantamweight in the UK and Ireland. Barry and his Cyclone Promotions team will now continue to close in on the world title holders at the 122lb weight class and perhaps after that then a move up to featherweight could be on the agenda.

“We are looking at getting out again late February/early March,” said McGuigan, who agreed that it had been a tough year for Carl and that he needs some downtime before a full frontal assault at global belts.

“We’ve stuck it out with the IBF to win the IBF title and then we are looking at Santa Cruz and America. We want to go to Madison Square Garden and bring this kid to Vegas because I think that’s where he can be a superstar. They’re going to love him out there.”

McGuigan believes that one major advantage his man holds over potential future rival Scott Quigg is that Frampton can pull the crowds in to his Belfast shows. Barry is clearly not enthused about the prospect of giving Quigg an opportunity to indulge in a mega-fight with ‘The Jackal’.

“Carl drags in 9,000 people and if Quigg is lucky in Bury he’ll draw in 900,” opined the ‘Clones Cyclone’. “Why would we go and give them an opportunity to do it [get a big payday] when we’ve developed it. Carl will knock Quigg out. Carl’s timing, accuracy and spatial awareness is very good, he has great eyes, is always on the target and great distance. He’s getting better at fighting on the inside and we don’t care who we fight, even if it’s Quigg. If the figures add up and it’s right, but the WBA is a watered down version of the title.”

McGuigan has also been lamenting the lack of durable sparring partners available for his charge. Even though some high-quality names have entered the practice ring with Frampton, Barry has been unable to get too many that are able to last the course and provide the workout needed for a potential world champion.

“He’s dropped so many sparring partners and we just have to get in American, Mexican or African sparring partners. We can’t keep welterweights or light-welterweights because good quality fighters are just dropping like flies and he’s dropping them. We need South Americans and Mexicans in, just like I did 30 years ago.”

Wilton Dismisses Marinov En Route to British Title Eliminator – 9th November 2013

Luke Wilton is closing in on a second crack at the British flyweight title after a win at Belfast’s Holiday Inn on Saturday, November 9. ‘Winky’ improved his record to 15-3-1 (7 KOs) with a 60-54 shutout of Valentin Marinov. Despite the unanimous nature of Paul McCullagh’s scorecard, Wilton (8st 7lbs 7oz) was made to work by a Bulgarian opponent who offered plenty of resistance. Luke found an early home for his trademark left to the body but Marinov (8st 11lbs) was always in position to return fire. Valentin’s nose was bleeding profusely by the third and he twice lost the gumshield as the hometown boxer’s steady pressure made things uncomfortable down the stretch. Purse bids will now decide when and where Wilton’s title eliminator with Iain Butcher takes place.

“I thought Marinov would be a good test because he’s used to fighting at a higher weight class,” said Wilton. “That gave me an opportunity to work on the boxing and moving that I’ve been trying out in the gym.”

Matthew Wilton moved to 8-0 with a 39-37 win over Tamworth survivor Matt Seawright. Wilton got the left hook working early and stunned Seawright (10st 9lbs 9oz) in the second when he followed it up with a right hand. The away man hung in and made things competitive in the third when a nasty cut appeared over Matthew’s left eyelid. Wilton (10st 8lbs) soaked up the visitor’s last-round charge to prevail on Paul McCullagh’s scorecard.

County Down featherweight Paul Quinn impressively dismissed debutant Sajid Khan at 1-26 of the opening round of a four-threes. Luton’s Khan (9st 4lbs 6oz) left his chin worryingly exposed whenever he tried to throw back and it wasn’t long before a slashing left hand deposited him to the canvas. Referee Hugh Russell waved it off to give unbeaten Quinn (9st 2lbs 6oz) his second knockout in four wins.

Belfast’s Mark Morris got his pro career off to a positive start with a 40-36 victory over Gloucester’s Andy Harris. Morris (9st 7lbs 2oz) employed a solid jab to work over Harris (9st 10lbs 8oz) who felt the power early and went into survival mode. Hugh Russell refereed over four-twos.

Alfredo Meli used a variety of southpaw skills to tame Telford’s Kieron Gray in a four-rounder. With more ring activity Meli (11st 8lbs 8oz) could go places, while Gray (11st 6lbs 2oz) fought through a cut scalp to earn his money. John Lowey officiated.

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called This Belfast Promotions Show – 10th November 2013

“Wilton’s technical performance has undoubtedly improved under vastly experienced Belfast-based Panamanian trainer Bernard Checa. Wilton’s former brawling, straight lines, pressure-fighting style has been well-polished. The understated Checa, in an earlier interview with this writer, has been quick to praise Wilton’s work ethic in the gym and appetite to learn. Luke Wilton is a far cry from the boxer who drew with Anwar Alfadi on the undercard of Rogan-Sexton 1, and is possibly the most improved fighter in Irish boxing over the past three or four years.” Brendan Galbraith, BoxRec.com

“Luke Wilton kept his British title aspirations well and truly on track at the Holiday Inn on Saturday night with a convincing points victory over Valentin Marinov. Wilton can now look forward to a British title eliminator scrap against Iain Butcher early next year and the east Belfast flyweight was delighted to get another victory on his record.” Nicky Fullerton, Belfast Newsletter

Mike Perez: From Limerick to Las Vegas –

16th November 2013

When Mike Perez outscored fellow-unbeaten Magomed Abdusalamov on November 2 the Cuban heavyweight announced himself as a genuine contender on the world scene. In the current climate that may mean little more than jumping forward a few places in the queue to challenge the indomitable Klitschko brothers for a bumper payday somewhere in Europe. For Perez, however, it will represent the culmination of a long journey that has taken the talented southpaw from Caribbean exile to primetime HBO, via the lush countryside of rural Ireland. At this stage it would be disingenuous not to mention the plight of Russia’s Abdusalamov. The Russian’s current circumstances are so severe that fighting for a version of the world title pales into insignificance. Magomed continues to fight for life in a hospital bed having sustained acute internal injuries following his brutal points loss on the Golovkin-Stevens undercard. Despite capturing a 10-round decision on the night, Perez will also be hurting from the final outcome; as such incidents often leave an irremovable stain on the victor’s psyche long after the final bell has sounded.

When the 28-year-old first boxed for a pay packet his surroundings were a far cry from the bright lights of Las Vegas. Ismaikel ‘Mike’ Perez defected from Cuba back in 2007 and immediately signed up with Cork manager Gary Hyde, being joined by talented lower-weight compatriots Luis Garcia and Alexei Acosta (now Alexei Collado). Training under the watchful eye of highly-respected Cuban veteran Nicholas Cruz, Perez made his pro debut in January 2008 at Cork’s Neptune Sports Arena and the skilled southpaw proceeded to cruise through his early opponents with relative ease. Scoring wins in places like Limerick, Castlebar, Killarney and Dublin gave the youngster a chance to expose his talents to Irish boxing fans both in person and on national broadcaster RTE who had jumped on to the boxing bandwagon during Bernard Dunne’s rise to world title glory. Perez has since boxed in a variety of locations and operated under trainers such as Lee Beard, Colin Morgan and even Glenn McCrory during an early stint in Newcastle, England.

In a bid to increase activity levels Perez even fought twice in one night, on an Andy Lee undercard in 2010. First Edgars Kalnars was disposed of in just one-round before Tomas Mrazek lasted three rounds later in the evening. I asked promoter Brian Peters how he had managed to persuade the Boxing Union of Ireland to allow two fights in the same night. The innovative Meath businessman, who guided Dunne to a WBA super-bantamweight title and also had a hand in the careers of Paul McCloskey and Matthew Macklin, pointed to the advent of the Prizefighter tournament and it’s multiple bouts in one evening as a way of persuading BUI president Mel Christle to allow the gimmick to take place.

Mike has indeed travelled a long way since then, both in and out of the ring. I am convinced that he would provide a solid test for the likes of Deontay Wilder, Dereck Chisora or Chris Arreola, but one exciting matchup that would likely provide fireworks is Perez against Tyson Fury. The pair do in fact have ‘previous’, in the form of physical, and later verbal, sparring sessions. In September 2011 as a response to Fury’s destruction of Nicolai Firtha in the King’s Hall, Belfast, Perez vented his anger at Tyson through the medium of a Brian Peters press release. The Ciego de Avila native vowed to “shut Tyson’s big mouth” after Hennessy Promotions accused Mike of ducking the Wythenshawe boxer.

“Why would I not want that fight?” said Perez. “It’s easy money and a chance to make a lot of people happy by knocking him out and shutting his big mouth. Fury is just like his fellow countryman David Haye, he talks the talk but he doesn’t deliver. Fury’s promoter asked about the fight a few weeks weeks ago when he still didn’t have an opponent. I said yes straight away and asked them to send through a contract but we never heard any more about it. Firtha was knocked out cold by Tye Fields, a guy I blew away in 32 seconds in the Prizefighter so I think that speaks for itself.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy was quick to fire back through the press and provided a scathing assessment of the Cuban’s chances by openly ridiculing any suggestion from Perez that he ever deserved a crack at Fury’s titles.

“Clearly somebody’s little cage has been rattled in Ireland after Tyson’s great win at the weekend [over Firtha] and from what I can see it is the people around him who are mouthing off, not Perez,” raged Mick. “I would be surprised if it was Perez because when Tyson was an amateur he gave him two very bad beatings in sparring and there were plenty of witnesses to it. That was when Perez was already a pro and Tyson was out of shape and a raw amateur. Since then we offered Perez the chance to fight Tyson at the King’s Hall and after verbally agreeing to the fight his people then turned it down in order to fight Johnathon Banks on the Odyssey Arena show a week earlier in Belfast and ended up not boxing on either show. Clearly the people around him are desperate to get him a fight but it won’t be on the back of Tyson Fury.”

These comments were made by Hennessy over two years ago, just months after Perez had introduced himself to UK fight fans by winning the heavyweight Prizefighter tournament with a run that included two first-round knockouts and saw Mike throw under 100 punches during a clinical and economical workout with a handy £32,000 cheque thrown in for his efforts.

“Anyone who knows anything about boxing will know that Tyson is in a completely different league to Perez,” continued Hennessy. “This isn’t three three-minute rounds like the amateurs or the one-night [Prizefighter] tournament he was involved in, it’s a 12-round fight and Tyson would badly expose him. He had his chance to fight Tyson, talked a good game but didn’t follow through so he has missed the boat. We’re not here to be messed about, Tyson is moving on. So Perez, or whoever it is, can shoot his mouth off all he wants but he’s just not in our plans now.”

Tasty stuff indeed and even more of an indication of how ardent fight fans missed the boat on a good scrap that would have no doubt held the interest of ticket buying supporters in Belfast or Dublin. If Perez and Fury can both get past their respective next tests then it remains a slim possibility that the pair could still tangle; perhaps even with a major title on the line. One thing that has plagued Perez’s career since he switched codes is frequent bouts of inactivity. In late 2010 Perez was side-lined from the ring after suffering an insect bite that caused a dose of spotted fever but the former World Junior Amateur Champion battled back from that and a variety of other distractions to finally force his way into the heavyweight championship picture.

Meanwhile, his stricken foe Magomed Abdusalamov is fighting his own personal battle outside of the ring. To say that pugilists are a ‘special breed’ or to commend their bravery still falls short of the accolades prizefighter’s deserve as they put their very lives on the line in each and every contest. If and when he manages to force a title shot Perez showed against Abdusalamov that he has the heart and substance as well as the flashy skills to compete with the best that the heavyweight division has to offer.

Morris Wants Title Fast Track After Promising Debut Victory – 22nd November 2013

Promising Belfast boxer Mark Morris is looking to mix with Ireland’s best sooner rather than later following a successful debut win over Andy Harris on November 9. The lightweight novitiate displayed a rangy jab and plenty of fizz in both fists, as well as a few rough edges, en route to a 40-36 victory over his Gloucester opponent. Morris was delighted with his showing and can now plan to move on to fight number two with Alan ‘Alio’ Wilton directing his career.

“I feel brilliant, after all the hard training that went into it I’m feeling really good,” buzzed Morris, enjoying the moment with excited fans in the Holiday Inn after his maiden win.

“Surprisingly I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would’ve been but a few wee nerves help you to go a long way. In my amateur career I knocked out a lot of people and everybody in the ring said it’s the hardest they’ve been hit so it must be true. I suffered a bit of bruising on my right hand but that’s an occupational hazard. Every fight I get a bit bruised but that’s the name of the game.”

Opponent Harris came in as a late replacement for Sid Razak and explained post-fight that from the opening bell he could feel there was plenty of pop in the punches of the ‘The Reaper’. That was why the away man elected to jab and grab, mixing in some defensive moves to see out the four-twos without being stopped. Harris also rates the hometown fighter highly in comparison to the other boxers he has fought in his short career. A product of the Gleann boxing club that also spawned the talents of Paddy Gallagher, among others, Mark Morris was joined in the corner by club trainers Paul Hyland and Andy Fennell. Alan Wilton was also directing operations and the respected trainer saw sons Luke and Matthew enjoy success later on the card. Morris found the advice from all of his corner team to be invaluable.

“My corner was telling me to calm down a bit, take it easy and pick my shots. When you’re in the ring it all goes out of the window. From now on I’ll settle down in the ring and it will come with experience. Lightweight is going to be my natural weight and I don’t have to starve to get down to the weight so there’s no point in losing energy to get down to lower weights.

“My goal is to get a title soon and I’d take any fight on to get that title. I’d like to say thanks to everyone who came and supported me, it felt brilliant and the place was buzzing,” he said.

Middleweight Conrad Cummings Goes Pro with Barry McGuigan – 22nd December 2013

Conrad Cummings has signed professional terms with Barry McGuigan’s Cyclone Promotions outfit and the County Tyrone puncher is aiming to eventually join new teammate Carl Frampton at world level. Cummings brings a heavy-handed reputation with him and has extensive amateur experience having excelled in the unpaid code as well as impressing in the World Series of Boxing with Mexico Guerreros. Despite having always aspired to lift a world title the 22-year-old deliberated over his decision to join McGuigan’s Irish revolution.

“You can get promised the moon and the stars in pro boxing and you end up with grass so you have to get it right,” grinned Cummings.

“Barry has been there and done it, he was a fighter and a world champion and inspirational when I was growing up. He’s very positive and knows the bad side and the good side of boxing and he has told me the truth. I’m 22 and he will take the time and take me where I want to be. He said he would make Carl into a world champion and he’s made him into a superstar and it’s an honour to be training with him.”

Conrad will hone his skills in London training camps alongside Frampton, with both toiling under the watchful eye of rising coach Shane McGuigan. Harry Hawkins, who has trained Bernard Dunne and Brian Magee during an illustrious career, handled Cummings in the amateurs at his Holy Trinity base before the youngster gained further experience in the WSB.

“Harry did an excellent job with me but the next step is with Shane,” said Conrad. “We bounced off each other and he is going to give me his full commitment. The WSB is going to be very important as I did very well in it boxing for Mexico Guerreros. My last fight was in Mexico where I trained at altitude for a month and I boxed Cuba [beating 2008 Olympic silver medallist Carlos Banteur in their contest].”

Cummings’ signature was announced in the Europa Hotel, Belfast and with new boss Barry McGuigan’s flight getting delayed it was left to son Jake to set out his plans for progression. He clearly has ambitious plans for their latest starlet.

“I look at the middleweight division now, there’s John Ryder out there and Billy Joe Saunders, these are the young guys coming through,” said Jake McGuigan.

“Conrad Cummings, in our opinion, beats them every day of the week and with the right grooming I think -in fact I know- that he’s going to be a world champion, we all [Team Cyclone] do.”

Despite moving into the Irish boxing void left by recent promotional powerhouses Matchroom Sport and Brian Peters Promotions, Cyclone are not planning on sucking up a whole host of new talent for their shows. When pushed on the issue Jake revealed it was possible that one (or two at a maximum) new boxers would be joining the team in the future. The possibility of running small hall shows, not featuring Frampton, is also being discussed.

“It’ll be a tight team, Conrad will be living with Carl in London training camps and training with Shane two times a day as Carl does,” said Jake McGuigan. “It’s important to establish this with Conrad. There will be a lot more middleweight sparring in London and Conrad hits so hard that sometimes they don’t come back. Cyclone Promotions are extremely excited about working with Conrad Cummings and developing his career, making him into what we think is going to be the next middleweight star.”

Conrad Cummings Turns Pro with Cyclone Promotions – 22nd December 2013

Cyclone Promotions have added another talented Irish amateur to their roster with the signing of middleweight Conrad Cummings. The 22-year-old enjoyed a solid grounding in the unpaid code but really found his niche during a recent stint in the World Series of Boxing. The Coalisland puncher is eager to build on that experience and emulate the success of new teammate Carl Frampton.

“My dream has always been to become a world champion from nine years of age when I started boxing,” explained Cummings who is eyeing a debut appearance on Cyclone’s proposed early 2014 card.

“I’ll take a week off then start training and I’m ready to go as soon as I can, probably on the undercard of Carl’s next fight, hopefully March time. I’d love the first fight to be on home territory with the Irish peoples’ support behind me. Last year I boxed all over the world, in 12 different countries, so wherever the fight will be it’s no problem,” he said.

Cummings boxed out of the Holy Trinity gym as an amateur under the tutelage of Harry and Mickey Hawkins but will now team up with Shane McGuigan in London. Conrad revealed that he was impressed by the plans put forward by former world champion Barry McGuigan who had been monitoring Cummings’ progress for the past two years with a view to capturing his signature.

“We took him to London for three days to work with Shane and see how they gelled and they gelled very well; Shane immediately said that he is a superb puncher,” explained Jake McGuigan, who introduced Cyclone’s new fighter to fans and media at Belfast’s plush Europa Hotel.

“We put a fantastic offer on the table and we were pretty sure that we would get him after upping the offer and we feel like we’ve got the next sensation not just in Ireland or Northern Ireland but in Britain. We’ve been monitoring his progress through the amateur ranks for a long time now and he’s a huge puncher. He’s a rough diamond who hasn’t unleashed his talent yet so we need to get over [to London], work with him and hopefully turn him into the next Carl Frampton.”

Cummings represented Mexico Guerreros in the WSB and benefited from some quality sparring and intense altitude training while in camp. During that time he recorded some notable victories including the scalp of 2008 Olympic silver medallist Carlos Banteur. The County Tyrone man is now looking to take that rich vein of form across to the professional ranks.

“The pro game will suit me and we are going straight into six rounders,” said Conrad.

“It wasn’t really a difficult decision to turn pro with Cyclone. When they contacted me right away my gut feeling was good but I didn’t jump in to it. I met the team: Jake, Carl and Barry and trained with Shane. I sat down, talked to them and they gave me their plans for the future and put together a fantastic deal. I’m humbled to be here.

“People have different objectives and ambitions and it would be a dream to win an Olympic medal but my dream was always to become a professional world champion. I’m looking forward to the journey and hopefully I’ll get there in the end,” he concluded.

Frampton Excited by Cyclone’s Latest Signing –

30th January 2014

Carl Frampton is excited by the prospect of Conrad Cummings joining the Cyclone Promotions team and hooking up with the Tyrone puncher in London training camps. The Tigers Bay scrapper knows what it takes to move up the rankings towards the elite level of professional boxing and he is now ready to impart that information to his new teammate as he takes his own first steps towards title glory.

“I think Conrad is a great talent who’s going to the top,” said Frampton.

“He beat the Olympic silver medallist recently in the WSB in what was basically a professional fight so he already has that platform. He has the style of a pro; a bit like myself he will just slide right into the pro game.”

Cummings’ heavy hands and swashbuckling style will make him a sure fire hit with the Irish boxing public. The former Holy Trinity product can box a bit too having displayed his wares in a dominant win over 2008 Olympic silver medallist Carlos Banteur of Cuba as Carl alluded to. That was in the innovative World Series of Boxing tournament which has given Conrad some valuable experience in bridging the gap between the amateur and professional codes. Training alongside ‘The Jackal’ in London will enable Cummings to focus solely on boxing matters while also engaging in sparring sessions with some of England’s more seasoned middleweight campaigners. Even though the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder will be a few years down the line yet Frampton picked out one rising boxer that he reckons Cummings could lay a few digs on.

“Put Conrad in for six rounds with Chris Eubank Jnr and he beats him up,” opined Carl. “Training in London is important because he can focus only on the boxing, be dedicated and the sparring will be great. I genuinely admired Conrad and his all-action style as an amateur and he can go to the top. It’s a bit of company for me in training camp and the world’s his oyster.”

Frampton Gets World Title Eliminator for the Right to Fight Santa Cruz – 30th January 2014

Carl Frampton could be only one win away from a crack at Leo Santa Cruz’s WBC super-bantamweight title after Cyclone Promotions secured a final eliminator against number one contender Hugo Cazares. That bout will take place on April 4 in Belfast’s Odyssey Arena and if, as expected, Carl successfully negotiates his way past the rugged Mexican veteran he expects to face Santa Cruz at some point in the summer.

“Hugo Cazares is a great fighter who has won two world titles at two different weights and he believes that he has another one in him at super-bantamweight,” said Carl, at a packed Europa Hotel press conference.

“I’ve seen a bit of Cazares footage, he’s a wily old fox who likes to fight at a very slow pace. He’s a typical Mexican in that he can give and take a good shot but he tries to have everything his own way and I think I’m going to have to fight at a high pace to beat him.”

After a period of frustration waiting for the IBF and Kiko Martinez to decide what they were going to do regarding the Spaniard's next move it was clear to Cyclone Promotions that they would have to quickly move on and explore other avenues rather than risk being caught up in a spider's web of politics. Having a high ranking with the WBC (number two) meant that promoter Barry McGuigan was able to lobby for an eliminator while putting in some negotiation time with Golden Boy regarding a possible Santa Cruz blockbuster. All of these plans are of course dependent on Frampton first removing the threat posed by Cazares.

“We have had to work very hard to get this fight staged here, it was going to be in Mexico or the USA so we are thrilled to be bringing it to Belfast and it’s cost a lot of money!” chuckled McGuigan. “It’s a great statement for Cyclone as Hugo Cazares is a two-weight world champion, unbeaten as a super-bantamweight and Carl knows he’s up against it.

“Cazares is tough and has a great left hook, he is clever and difficult to nail properly so we need to put the pressure on him and make him fight. I don’t think Cazares will be able to last the pace and I think Carl knocks Cazares out and I think he beats up Santa Cruz as well. We will move heaven and earth to get Santa Cruz over here.”

Santa Cruz has made positive noises when asked about a potential Frampton scrap but the California resident will need to jump over his own title hurdle on March 8 when he defends against quality operator Cristian Mijares. ‘The Jackal’ respects the skills that the WBC title holder brings to the table but likened his adversary’s style as similar to a smaller version of Antonio Margarito. That appears to be a fairly accurate comparison and the Cyclone team believe their man's superior footwork and ability to find punching angles will allow him to prevail when the boxers finally face off.

“Anytime Santa Cruz gets interviewed he mentions my name. I genuinely believe that Santa Cruz wants to fight the winner of this one and the winner will fight him in the summer. I want to be fighting in Belfast all the time, I’m fit to go already and I could do 12 rounds in two weeks’ time so just think what I’ll be like come April,” concluded Frampton.

Photograph: © Russell Pritchard/Cyclone Promotions

Frampton Has Santa Cruz’s WBC Belt in His Sights – 31st January 2014

Carl Frampton now has a world title shot firmly in his sights after securing a WBC final eliminator against Mexico's Hugo Cazares in the Odyssey Arena. The bumper show, entitled  ‘This is Belfast’, will take place on April 4 and as the Frampton steam train continues to gather pace a fervently raucous atmosphere is guaranteed. If Carl can see off the threat of Cazares then a shot at Leo Santa Cruz is expected to take place at some point in the summer.

“We have put ourselves out on a limb here to get the big fights made,” stated Cyclone Promotions’ main man Barry McGuigan.

“Santa Cruz is a big draw, very exciting to watch, he comes to hunt you down no matter who you are and we just believe that he has the perfect style for Carl. Of course we have to get by Cazares first, we have to beat him and beat him impressively. It’s not just about winning fights it’s about the way you win them, you have to be impressive. We want to go and fight in the States but we want to bring as many of the big fights as we can over here to Belfast. I’m not saying that the Santa Cruz fight will definitely be here.”

Barry revealed that he has been in ongoing discussions with Golden Boy Promotions and they are very keen to make the fight between Santa Cruz and Frampton because of the expected complementary mix of styles. Frampton’s ability to generate ticket sales and the star power he now carries across Northern Ireland are also juicy factors at the negotiating table. Barry later hit out at IBF ruler Kiko Martinez who, despite making positive noises about a Frampton rematch, fleet-footed over to Japan instead of meeting his European title conqueror.

“When Kiko was knocked out we heard rumours and conflicting reports about whether he wanted to fight again but we now know that the reality was he never wanted to fight us again. We were messed about a bit by that, it took up a bit of time and it was frustrating but we will now go for the real guy, the real challenge,” said McGuigan.

“Santa Cruz has got a defence on March 8 against Cristian Mijares and then he’s looking at Frampton. That’s the fight we want and the fight they want. The champion is entitled to nine months or 12 months of a slide but Santa Cruz has already said that he wants to fight us. It’s a great combination of styles between the pair. Let’s be honest, the green belt [WBC] is the most respectable belt, over the last few years it’s the one that everybody wants to fight for.”

Big Odyssey Show Ripe for Undercard Talent to Shine – 2nd February 2014

Carl Frampton’s WBC final eliminator has been cemented in to place for April 4 and with it comes the possibility of some work for the healthy pool of Irish talent that is hanging on to the headliner’s coat tails. With Gary Hyde’s February 15 card in Dublin and Alio Wilton’s Holiday Inn show in late March all ready to go it is great to see some slots opening up for domestic boxers.

“We will have a multitude of title fights on the undercard,” said Barry McGuigan, further adding to the anticipation that the Odyssey Arena event is already generating.

“It’s going to be a bumper bill. Some of the boxers are going to have to take risks to merit getting on the bill. We are already in discussions about putting together a terrific undercard.”

Speaking at the Europa Hotel press conference, specially organised to announce Frampton’s bout with Hugo Cazares, McGuigan hinted that undercard hopefuls would have to move outside the comfort zone to warrant a place on the card which will be televised live on BoxNation.

Cyclone’s latest signing Conrad Cummings will be hoping that valuable experience in the World Series of Boxing holds him in good stead when the Tyrone banger makes his professional debut in a proposed middleweight six-rounder. Marco McCullough’s breakout performance against former European champion Willie Casey on the Frampton-Parodi undercard could help secure his spot on the big bill with perhaps a Celtic title fight or similar in the offing. Big ticket seller Daniel McShane, super-flyweight talent Jamie Conlan and Dublin starlet Phil Sutcliffe Jnr will all fancy a chance to show off their abilities if called upon.

Shane McGuigan Respects Cazares Threat But Picks Frampton by KO – 5th February 2014

Carl Frampton’s trainer Shane McGuigan holds a high respect for the potential danger that Mexican veteran Hugo Cazares brings to the table on the April 4 ‘This is Belfast’ card. Shane described Cazares as “probably the best fighter we’ve met to date”, adding that even though Kiko Martinez had mixed at a high level, and now holds a world belt, he was pretty one dimensional whereas Cazares comes forward and knocks people out. The experienced visitor can also box a bit when required.

“He’s only been stopped twice in his career and the last time was back in 1999 so he’s not going to get stopped easily,” mused McGuigan.

“We have a plan in mind already and we will probably get him out of there in the mid rounds.”

Always candid in his predictions and honest in his assessment Shane has been monitoring video footage of their opponent who holds an orthodox stance but likes to switch southpaw. Cazares operates behind a cagey guard and uses his nous to offset opponents and steal time. He has mixed with a high class of opposition though since turning pro in 1997 having shared the ring with light-flyweight legend Ivan Calderon not to mention Nobuo Nashiro and Tomonobu Shimizu.

“We’ve just got to analyse his previous performances and work out a game plan, which we’ve already sort of got,” revealed McGuigan.

“Come fight night Carl will destroy him. It will be a tough fight but the difference will be pace, size and Carl’s punching power. It will definitely be tricky for a few of rounds but once Carl even half hits him he’s going to go into his shell and it will only be a matter of time before we take him out of there.

“Hugo’s so experienced, so good at nullifying people’s attacks and holding on to get those precious little seconds to survive. It will be an exciting fight but we’ve got to stay on his chest really.”

In their London hideout McGuigan and Frampton have been joined by new signing Conrad Cummings alongside a raft of quality sparring hands to help sharpen the super-bantamweight star as he plunders a path to world title glory. Shane McGuigan is busy identifying the right people needed to replicate the style of ‘El Increible’ Cazares.

“We’re sparring a couple of guys at the moment including one guy who’s only had one pro fight but he fought for Ghana in the Olympics and is very, very talented,” he said.

“Cazares is smaller than Carl and our sparring partner resembles a better Hugo Cazares. We are getting most of our rounds from him but we will be getting in bigger guys because he can’t keep taking the beatings day in and day out because he’s a small man.

“We sparred eight rounds the other day and it’s just about pulling the reigns back at the moment because the fight was originally going to be March 15 and then it got delayed to April 4. We will be ready to fight whenever.”

Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam Headlines Intriguing Dublin Card – 13th February 2014

Cork promoter Gary Hyde has taken a break from promoting the interests of his pound-for-pound superstar boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux to run a welcome card in Dublin on Saturday, February 15.

At the time of writing seven bouts are scheduled on what promises to be a mammoth National Stadium event. Hyde’s eclectic stable has a distinctly international feel as his world-rated middleweight Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam appears in a 10-round contest against Ricardo Ramallo while French cruiserweight Youri Kalenga meets Cesar David Crenz over 10 rounds. Mark Heffron had been mooted to face Irish champion Stephen Haughian but instead finds Mateo Veron in the opposite corner.

Irish cruiserweight champion Ian Tims is out of his bout with Moses Matovu and instead Moses will face debutant David Maguire. Matovu had a barnstorming six-rounder with Jon O’Brien at the Stadium back in 2008. Darren Cruise and Robbie Long are both aiming to get in to the Irish title mix when they clash at super-middleweight. Ricky Hatton’s next young hope Ryan Burnett was set to feature in a bantamweight six-threes but sustained an injury. Unfortunately, an intriguing six-round affair between two former amateur achievers Paddy Gallagher (who was looking to hit 5-0) against 2-1 Karl Brabazon was shelved after Brabazon went down with inflamed intestines.

In an intriguing match-up unbeaten prospect Luke Keeler will have to be on his game to repel the advances of rough-and-ready Belfast brawler Paul Moffett. Moffett was due to box in the Belfast City Hall bill against Ray Ginley last year but red tape got in the way and he was canned, leading to a frustrating retirement announcement. It’s good to see Moffett giving it another go as he has plenty to offer the Irish circuit. Former British flyweight title challenger Luke Wilton will no longer appear but talented Sonny Upton is down to make up the rest of the card.

N’Dam Leads the Way on Dublin Pro Boxing Extravaganza – 16th February 2014

Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam has a Peter Quillin rematch in his sights after stopping Ricardo Ramallo in the fourth-round of a scheduled 10. The Cameroon native showed exactly why he has mixed at world level by working his attacks behind a high quality jab as his Argentine foe looked understandably pensive. Bossing every minute of the fight N’dam (11st 8lbs 6oz) turned the screw in round four and landed a barrage of punches to drop Ramallo (11st 13lbs 8oz) heavily. The visitor rose unsteadily and looked to engage, only to receive a flush left uppercut. With Ramallo rolling around on the canvas referee Emile Tiedt terminated his challenge at 1-32.

Exciting Congolese cruiserweight Youri Kalenga knocked out Cesar David Crenz in the third-round of their 10-rounder. Kalenga (14st) lingered behind a token jab, letting wide hooks fly whenever possible. He dropped Crenz (14st 4 ½lbs) with a big overhand right in the second-round but Crenz fought back and Kalenga suddenly looked vulnerable. It was all academic by the third session when a straight right toppled Crenz again and David Irving called it off at 2-33.

Mark Heffron enjoyed a welcome eight-round workout from Argentine survivor Mateo Veron. Emile Tiedt awarded Heffron an 80-72 success as the powerful 22-year-old moved to 9-0 (7 KOs). Heffron (11st 5lbs) worked the body well but often slapped with his right hand while Veron (11st 5 ½lbs) skirted away from danger to last the course.

Promising welterweight Sonny Upton displayed a wide range of skills to outpoint Brighton’s Kevin McCauley 40-37. Ref Mickey Vann often warned McCauley (10st 13 ½lbs) as he employed some veteran tactics to try and unnerve his novice opponent. Upton (10st 10 ½lbs) stayed cool and followed trainer Ricky Hatton’s instructions to take the win.

Dublin middleweight Luke Keeler (11st 12lbs) had too much firepower for short notice opponent Edgars Sniedze (11st 8lbs). The Latvian was dispensed at 2-06 of the second-round (scheduled for six) by David Irving after failing to cope with Keeler’s intensity.

An intriguing domestic clash between Roscommon’s Darren Cruise (12st 3 ¾lbs) and Dubliner Robbie Long (11st 11lbs) was curtailed early after a second-round head clash. Neither man was on top in this six-rounder when Mickey Vann broke the action at 0-56, resulting in a no decision verdict.

Cruiserweight debutant David Maguire (13st 13 ¾lbs) outpointed Moses Matovu (13st 13 ½lbs) 39-37 on Mr Tiedt’s scorecard.

Frampton A Dead Cert for World Title Says Hatton – 22nd February 2014

Ricky Hatton has no doubts that Carl Frampton is close to landing a world title and the Manchester legend reckons the Belfast boxer will win his WBC super-bantamweight eliminator with Hugo Cazares on April 4.

“It’s a fight I think Frampton will win, there are no easy fights at this level but he’s just on the threshold of a world title and he will win a world title,” opined ‘The Hitman’ who defeated Kostya Tszyu for the IBF light-welterweight crown back in 2005.

“He’s getting better and better with every performance and in his last fight it wasn’t necessarily about who he beat [Jeremy Parodi] but the manner in which he did it, which was impressive. When you are blowing through opponents like that at that level it shows you he’s got another couple of steps in him. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll win a world title.”

Ricky was speaking backstage in Dublin’s National Stadium, where minutes earlier he had been keeping an eye on a young member of his stable Sonny Upton. The former champion received a familiarly raucous reception from an appreciative crowd of Irish fight fans.

“Yeah I always get a great reception from the Irish crowd, I think it’s because of all that Guinness I drink!” he laughed. “It makes me very proud, wherever I go, to get the reception that I do but especially when I go overseas to Dublin or places like that. My fan base was always my biggest achievement in my career.”

Ryan Burnett is another rising star that Hatton holds in high regard for the future. The fledgling bantamweight was supposed to accompany Upton on Gary Hyde’s February 15 bill but he suffered an injury that curtailed his appearance.

“Ryan Burnett is progressing very well, he should’ve been on the bill tonight but he injured his hand in training,” confirmed Ricky. “We've had him at a specialist and it’s nothing serious, just a bit of ligament damage. Next time he’s out will be on the Frampton show which will be a great shop window being on Frampton’s undercard. Ryan Burnett can go on the back of Carl’s success and that will be great for Ryan.”

Dee Walsh Targets Quick Ring Return After Signing with Dunlop – 23rd February 2014

Talented Belfast light-middleweight Dee Walsh has signed a long term deal with promoter and manager Mark Dunlop. Walsh had five fights and five victories before he took time away from boxing at the end of 2012. But he will now return to action at the Devenish Complex on May 10 and again on June 28.

“I am looking forward to it and I missed being in the limelight. I took time out to be a dad to my son and now I am ready to return,” said Walsh.

“I have signed with Mark Dunlop because he keeps his boxers busy and I will be fighting in Belfast on May 10 and June 28. The aim is to stay active and then go for the Irish title.”

The popular stylist seemed to have grown disillusioned with the following a comprehensive win over Robert Studzinski on the Frampton-Molitor undercard. New manager Mark Dunlop is part of a vibrant small hall scene in and around Belfast that has been responsible for keeping many local boxers ticking over. Mark is working closely with heavyweight Martin Rogan and has some exciting plans for his growing roster. That now includes Galway’s Alan Donnellan as well as James Tennyson, Declan Trainor and Daniel McShane, all of whom feature on May 10.

“Dee is a talented boy and he will go far. He has joined my ever growing stable of fighters and we will be looking to keep him busy,” said Dunlop.

“I have also signed a promotional deal with Martin Rogan and there will be big news about Rogan very soon,” he added.

Photograph: © Mark Dunlop

Shamrock Shorts – 23rd February 2014

Marco McCullough (8-1) will fight Belarusian Andrei Isaeu (25-4) for the vacant WBO European featherweight title at the Odyssey on April 4.

“Yes, I am delighted the fight has been made. If I win this fight it will mean that I have won a title in all of my last three bouts,” McCullough told the Belfast Newsletter. “This is a good test for me and it means I can move up the rankings and keep pushing forward. I don’t know much about my opponent but I will be ready for whatever he has to offer on the night.”

Stephen Ormond (16-0) will now look to build on a career-best victory over Derry Mathews when he defends his WBO European title against Spain’s Karim El Ouazghari (16-4).

•••

Veteran lightweight Oisin Fagan will be hoping that his twice aborted bout with WBF Intercontinental title holder Chris Goodwin finally hits third time lucky and goes ahead, as expected, on April 12 in Chester’s Northgate Arena. Personal issues and weight making difficulties meant that Goodwin was previously unable to accommodate Fagan despite the Dubliner sticking to weight stipulations and getting into stellar condition on both previous occasions as is expected from the man once dubbed, “the most professional boxer in Ireland” by cuts man Joe Clifford. Chris Goodwin has not fought since August 2012 when he won a different WBF title (there is more than one group vying for the WBF brand name) against Istvan Kiss in Castlebar when Kiss notoriously leant over the ropes mid-round and belted a projectile of vomit at ringside journalists, myself and Brendan Galbraith from BoxRec News included. Fagan retired in 2011 but has been itching for one last hurrah and returned last September second-round knockout victory in Belfast over Andis Didzus.

•••

Alan Wilton’s proposed March 1 show in the Ice Dome, Belfast has been postponed until March 27 with the whole card moving across town to the familiar Holiday Inn venue. Alan’s sons Luke and Matthew Wilton will both appear, alongside talented middleweight southpaw Alfredo Meli who is looking to push his undefeated career forward towards possible title shots in 2014. Other fighters featuring on the show include County Down featherweight Paul Quinn, recent lightweight debutant Mark Morris, light-welterweight Anthony Upton, super-featherweight Alec Bazza and first-timer Casey Blair.

‘I’ll Fight Frampton in Ireland’ Says WBC King Santa Cruz – 23rd February 2014

Carl Frampton could land a dream world title shot this summer after Leo Santa Cruz revealed that he would happily defend his title against the Belfast boxer. The WBC super-bantamweight holder would have no problem travelling to Northern Ireland if required, provided he first wins his March 8 defence against former champion Cristian Mijares. If Frampton beats Hugo Cazares in his own April 4 eliminator then Leo sees no reason why the pair should not fight later in the year.

“That’s no problem, I’m willing to fight him anywhere,” said Santa Cruz, undefeated in 27 fights (one draw) with 15 knockouts.

“For me it doesn’t really matter where the fight is, as long as my manager and promoter are OK with it then I’m willing to go wherever, whether that is in Ireland or over here [in the USA].”

Despite missing out on a crack at the IBF title, held by former victim Kiko Martinez, Barry McGuigan has expertly maneuvered Frampton into pole position for a WBC tilt if he gets past veteran Cazares on the huge Odyssey Arena show in April. Humble Mexican Santa Cruz stated that ‘The Jackal’ has been on his radar for a while.

“Frampton is a great opponent, he’s really strong and comes forward, he fights in my style and I think if I face him it will be a great fight for me,” he said.

"He has great power and I could see a fight of the year or at least a fight of the night because we both come forward and go for it so it would be a real battle.”

25-year-old Santa Cruz realised a lifelong ambition in August 2013 when a third-round knockout of Victor Terrazas earned him the coveted WBC strap. He puts every victory down to a strong work ethic and intense strength and conditioning training before every bout.

“When I was growing up it was the belt I always wanted to win and when I got the opportunity I took advantage of it and all my hard work paid off. I didn’t think I would beat Terrazas so easily but I owe it all to my training because I trained hard for that fight and we really wanted that WBC title, it was my dream belt.”

Leo admitted that he is not overly familiar with the work of Frampton’s nemesis Scott Quigg but affirmed that he will engage with any elite fighter in the 122-pound weight division so long as promotional politics don’t get in the way.

“I want to fight the best champions and beat the best. Guillermo Rigondeaux and Kiko Martinez are great opponents and if I can unify the belts then great. It's up to my manager and promoter and whatever they say then I’m willing to step up.”

Preparing for the threat of quality operator Mijares is the champion’s only current focus but success in that contest will see Frampton primed for his world title opportunity.

“I’ve spoken to Golden Boy about the fight with Mijares and we haven’t really talked that much about the next one but we will sit down and see what’s next when the time comes,” said Santa Cruz.

“I‘m not scared of anybody, I’m here to fight whoever the fans want and if they want me to fight Frampton or whoever else then I’m happy to fight them.”

Santa Cruz Will Fight Anyone at 122 But Focuses on Mijares First – 26th February 2014

Leo Santa Cruz has completed his training camp and feels 100 per cent focused and ready for the challenge of Cristian Mijares on March 8. As usual Santa Cruz and trainer Roberto Garcia have left no stone unturned during intense preparations as a possible summer showdown with Carl Frampton enters the equation.

“Right now the training is going great, I do my sparring and everything in the morning and in the afternoons I go and work with my strength and conditioning coach. He’s doing a great job and I feel ready for this fight,” buzzed the WBC super-bantamweight king.

Santa Cruz also revealed that he was far from pleased with his most recent ring appearance, a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Cesar Seda on the undercard of Broner-Maidana last December.

“I wasn’t really happy with that performance. It was complicated because he was a leftie and he was boxing a bit more but we went back to the gym and worked more on fighting a guy like that. I didn’t perform how I wanted to but we were able to get the win,” he said.

While possible matchups against Belfast’s Frampton or fellow title holders Guillermo Rigondeaux (WBA) and Kiko Martinez (IBF) all whet the appetite, Leo is keeping his options open. The Oxnard resident is relatively unfamiliar with the work of Bury’s Scott Quigg but his message is the same regardless of the opponent. Santa Cruz will face anyone that his manager and promoter deem worthy.

“I don’t really know that much about Quigg but I heard he’s a great fighter and someone asked me before if I would be willing to fight him. If it came up then yes I’d fight him or whoever they put in front of me.”

Sky Arena’s Heavyweight Super 8 Last Man Standing in New Zealand – 4th March 2014

British and Irish heavyweights Michael Sprott and Martin Rogan have signed on for a new international heavyweight competition. The ‘Super 8: Last Man Standing’ tournament will take place on June 4 in Auckland, New Zealand. Eight heavyweights in total will take part in the Super 8 event, competing for a prize pool of £250,000 on one evening. Super 8 will become a regular feature in New Zealand and the world’s professional boxing landscape.

The format will be similar to the UK Prizefighter. The big difference this time is the prize money on offer with over £100,000 to the winner and £50,000 to the runner-up. In total there is over £250,000 up for grabs on the night with a guaranteed £7,500 to all contestants for their first fights and also includes win bonuses for knockouts.

Sky Arena’s UK representative Mark Dunlop is busy organising the European side of negotiations and is looking to enlist more talent before the deadline. Former Commonwealth heavyweight champion Rogan and Sprott, who has held British and EU honours during an 18-year career, will both enter the tournament with confidence having won the UK Prizefighter.

The pair will be joined by Kiwi Kali Meehan who challenged Lamon Brewster for the WBO title in 2004, losing on a split decision. Five other boxers are still to be named for the innovative summer competition which, if successful, is expected to be the first of many.

“I’ve done it before and I’m going to do it again, this time in a more spectacular fashion!” hollered Rogan. “I will be knocking out anyone they put in front of me. I’ve a lot of family down in New Zealand and they have promised me when I win the Super 8 they will all be flying the flag of Ireland on their front door and celebrating me as their new president.”

Sprott also fancies the job but is slightly less hyperbolic in his prognosis.

“After England beat the All Blacks I will be knocking out whatever the Kiwis and Aussies have left to offer and it’s going to be a sorry week down under but triumphant for the English,” said Sprott.

National Elite Championships Finals Report –

7th March 2014

The cream of Irish amateur boxing once again delighted an appreciative crowd at Dublin’s National Stadium. Leading the pack at the Elite Championships finals was light-heavyweight Joe Ward who showed his class with a comprehensive 3-0 win over fellow southpaw Matthew Tinker.

Last year Joe conquered former 81kg supremo Kenny Egan for the third time in a row at Elite level and the 2008 Beijing Olympian retired to the world of punditry. This allowed Ward to continue his domestic dominance and focus on cementing his credentials at a higher level.

Ward (Moate) boxed conservatively in the first round allowing Tinker (St. Francis) to hold his own within range. The 2011 European gold medallist turned up the heat in round two, however, spearing out jabs and letting the heavy leather flow. A solid left hand wobbled Tinker and forced him to receive a standing eight count. Matthew showed his resilience and absorbed some well-placed combinations in the third round as Westmeath’s Ward coasted to his fourth consecutive senior trophy. The chosen judges’ scorecards read: 30-25, 30-26 and 30-27.

“It’s good to get the fourth. Every win is sweet, anytime you win a National Championships it’s sweet,” said Ward, who was the only defending champion to return home with his title.

There was double delight for highly-talented Belfast boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan who both won their respective finals.

Barnes (Holy Family) took a unanimous decision over Hughie Myers (Ryston) at 49kg. Paddy moved up the gears in round three to rubberstamp the victory after boxing well within his boundaries for the first two. Barnes let rip with some hefty body assaults and steadily increased the pressure as the bout wore on with plucky Myers digging in to see out a 3-0 loss.

“You have to win these fights to be called number one in your country,” said Barnes after securing his seventh Elite crown. “I thought I just edged every round but he took me right to the wire.”

Conlan, meanwhile, enjoyed a 3-0 win over slippery Holy Family southpaw Tyrone McCullagh at 56kg. The St. John Bosco stylist dropped in the combinations whenever he could pin down McCullagh who boxed behind an unorthodox southpaw stance. Tyrone arched his body into range to land the occasional left hand and a shot or two behind the head. McCullagh was never able to trouble the imperious Conlan who later admitted he feels fitter and stronger following a move up from flyweight.

All Saints slugger Stephen Donnelly swarmed all over 2012 Olympian Adam Nolan (Bray) to grab a split decision (2-1) at 69kg. Nolan is a clever boxer but caved in under the relentless aggression of his Ballymena opponent. Donnelly capped an excellent tournament with the Best Boxer accolade having also beaten John Joe Joyce in the semi-final.

David Oliver Joyce (St. Michael’s Athy) went home with his fifth Elite title after eking out a 2-1 win over defending champion Sean McComb (Holy Trinity) at 60kg. McComb swept the opener with whipping flurries and swift movement. David Oliver started landing more as the bout wore on but McComb was slipping and blocking a fair few even if his own punch output dropped slightly. For all of Joyce’s honest endeavour it appeared that McComb had still done enough to retain his title.

Michael O’Reilly upset the odds with a 2-1 victory over Darren O’Neill in an intriguing 75kg bout. Southpaw O’Neill showed his class and experience to grind out a big third round but he had already clearly conceded the first and arguably a close second session. O’Reilly showed impressive skills to pick off O’Neill and take away the spoils.

In an all-action heavyweight encounter Gary Sweeney claimed a split decision victory over Monkstown’s Stephen Ward. Sweeney (Olympic) gained the early momentum after dropping Ward to his knees in the first round and landed some crafty counters as Ward bulldozed in behind a strong jab. Sweeney’s extra touch of quality in the 91kg clash helped him achieve a 2-1 success.

In the 91kg+ final Clonmel clubmates Con Sheehan and Dean Gardiner engaged in an open sparring session for three rounds. Sheehan has good movement for a big man and controlled Gardiner behind his jab. The 3-0 scoreline was fair, with one judge awarding Sheehan a 30-25 total.

With Michael Conlan out of the way at 52kg Chris Phelan (Ryston/Defence Forces) was able to claim an Elite title in his fourth attempt. Opponent Adam Courtney (St Mary’s) held his own but Phelan landed the better shots to take a unanimous decision.

Dean Walsh announced himself on the scene at 64kg with a 3-0 win over Michael Nevin (Portlaoise). Nevin flicked out an unconvincing southpaw jab that allowed Walsh (St. Joseph’s/St. Ibars) to burrow in and take the title on workrate.

National Elite Championships Men’s Finals Results – 7th March 2014

49kg Hughie Myers (Ryston) v Paddy Barnes (Holy Family)

Barnes won UD 30-27, 29-27, 29-28

56kg Michael Conlan (St John Bosco) v Tyrone McCullagh (Holy Family)

Conlan won UD 30-27, 30-27, 29-28

60kg Sean McComb (Holy Trinity) v David Oliver Joyce (St Michael’s Athy)

Joyce won SD 29-28, 29-28, 27-30

69kg Adam Nolan (Bray) v Stephen Donnelly (All Saints)

Donnelly won SD 29-28, 29-28, 28-29

75kg Darren O’Neill (Paulstown) v Michael O’Reilly (Portlaoise)

O’Reilly won SD 29-28, 29-28, 28-29

81kg Joe Ward (Moate) v Matthew Tinker (St Francis)

Ward won UD 30-25, 30-27, 30-26

64kg Michael Nevin (Portlaoise) v Dean Walsh (St Joseph’s/St Ibars)

Walsh won UD 29-28, 29-28, 30-27

52kg Adam Courtney (St Marys) v Chris Phelan (Ryston/Defence Forces)

Phelan won UD 30-27, 30-27, 29-27

91kg Gary Sweeney (Olympic) v Stephen Ward (Monkstown, Antrim)

Sweeney won SD 29-27, 29-28, 28-29

91+kg Con Sheehan (Clonmel) v Dean Gardiner (Clonmel)

Sheehan won UD 29-28, 29-28, 30-25

“It was a night of contrasting fortunes for Ireland’s four London 2012 Olympians at the National Elite Finals at Dublin’s National Stadium. Liam Walsh, father of Irish head coach Billy Walsh and one of the great stalwarts of Irish boxing, received a sustained standing ovation from a packed National Stadium when he stepped into the ring to accept a presentation for his services to the sport from IABA President Tommy Murphy tonight.” Bernard O’Neill, IABA Press Officer

Conlan Relishing Life at the New Weight After McCullagh Victory – 9th March 2014

Fresh from his latest Elite title victory Michael Conlan is relishing life in a new weight class. The St. John Bosco stylist is now targeting an assault on the medals at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“This is a big year for me and hopefully I can go on and win gold at the Commonwealth Games,” buzzed Conlan, shortly after beating Tyrone McCullagh in the National Stadium.

“I feel far fitter and far stronger at 56kg. I was struggling to make 52 kg, but at this new weight I feel great. I think at this weight I am able to throw more punches and I am as strong as any of them in the division.”

While McCullagh never truly threatened to win the final, he did use his awkward southpaw stance to try and frustrate Conlan. Michael knew all about the Holy Family boxer and his ability to make life uncomfortable. Conlan’s unanimous win was confirmed by the judges’ score totals that came in at: 30-27 (twice) and 29-28.

“Tyrone is an awkward boy and I had to stick to my game plan. The aim was to stay calm and not get frustrated in there with him. He is very difficult to fight. I knew it was going to be close. He is a very good boxer so I am delighted with the win. We have sparred loads of times and we knew loads about each other.”

Now that the Elite Championships trophy is safely positioned on his mantelpiece Michael is turning his focus to the next big prize.

“This is my fourth title and I am the first person to go from flyweight to bantamweight. I’m now looking forward to the Games in Glasgow,” he concluded.

McDonagh and Hutchinson Prepare for Irish Title War – 10th March 2014

Peter McDonagh is prepared to have a “war” when he meets John Hutchinson at Rivermead, Reading on March 15. McDonagh, who is dedicating the fight to his late sister, insists there is “no losing this fight” as he contends for the Irish light middleweight title on the undercard to the first set of MaxiNutrition Knockout quarter-finals, live on Channel 5.

“I’m dedicating my fight to my sister, who passed away in January to breast cancer,” Peter said.

“It’s her birthday on Monday so it would be a great birthday present to win the Irish title on Saturday night - there’s no losing, I have to win this fight.”

McDonagh won the Irish lightweight title in 2006 with a surprise six-round victory over Michael Gomez. Peter showed there is still plenty of juice in the tank when he earned a draw with Paddy Murphy in Dundalk last year.

Hutchinson, meanwhile, has compiled a 5-0-2 (1 KO) record since turning pro in August 2012. The ‘Buncrana Banger’ enjoyed a four-round win over Robert Brando-Hunt in Massachusetts recently. Hutchinson has become a popular figure on the Irish fight scene due to his no-nonsense style and has engaged in fan-friendly scraps against the likes of Darren Cruise and Gerard Healy (twice).

Away Win Leaves McShane ‘Hungary’ for Success – 11th March 2014

On Saturday, March 8 super-featherweight prospect Daniel ‘Insane’ McShane enjoyed a welcome run-out in Kecskemet, Hungary. The 20-year-old recorded his eighth professional victory, returning home with a solid points win over Ignac Kassai in a four-rounder.

Daniel was the only away winner on the massive 11-fight card which included three WBO European title fights. Former world title challenger Zsolt Bedak and ex-WBO light-heavyweight belt holder Zsolt Erdei, who went on a long run of defences from 2004-2009, also featured on the bill.

‘Insane’ McShane will next be in action when he tops the bill on the “Road to Glory” show which is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at the Devenish Complex in Belfast.

That bill also includes the much anticipated return of Dee Walsh who is resuming his career following a 20-month layoff. ‘Wealthy’ Walsh has signed with promoter Mark Dunlop and clearly has the talent to mix with the best light-middleweights on the domestic circuit if he is able to string together a good winning run.

Reigning Irish super-featherweight champion James Tennyson will be looking to bounce back from an unexpected defeat at the hands of Pavels Senkovs. James will face English battler Ian Bailey while tough light-middleweight Gerard Healy meets Liam Griffiths. Alan Donnellan, Anthony Upton and Lajos Nagy will all feature.

Photograph: © Mark Dunlop

Ricky Hatton’s Stable Is Growing Fast and Gaining Exposure – 15th March 2014

Even though Ricky Hatton’s once-burgeoning professional stable may be a little depleted these days the ex-world champion is still optimistic about the future. World-rated middleweight Martin Murray became the latest boxer to jump ship recently and leave a group that once boasted the likes of Joe Murray and Scott Quigg. Hatton is now slowly rebuilding his empire with a new breed of talent that includes Ryan Burnett and the Upton brothers, Anthony and Sonny. Ricky is also busy getting fights for the international fighters he still holds on his books.

“I’ve got Zhanat Zhakiyanov who is fighting for the European title and Sergey Rabchenko has a date coming up soon to fight [Emanuele] Della Rosa in Italy,” he said. "I would like to get Sonny on one of those cards so he can gain experience. Fighting in different countries against different styles is the next game plan."

Ricky revealed that he was extremely satisfied with the performance of welterweight starlet Sonny Upton. The 24-year-old posted an impressive four-round points win over Kevin McCauley on Gary Hyde’s February 15 show in Dublin and Hatton believes the youngster has put his debut loss down to experience.

“He fought a six-rounder straight off on his debut against a very tough opponent and I thought he won the fight,” argued ‘The Hitman’.

“He didn’t get the decision but it’s not about where you start your career it’s about where you finish it. If he’d flattened someone in a round then he wouldn't have learned as much as he did and so many people have gone on to be champions or even world champions after losing an early fight. He was upset, his pride was hurt but I think he got a lot from it.”

Kiko Frustration in the Past As Frampton Targets Santa Cruz – 16th March 2014

Carl Frampton believes that Leo Santa Cruz will agree to face him in a WBC title clash provided Carl wins his eliminator with Hugo Cazares. After failing to secure a shot at IBF holder Kiko Martinez, Team Cyclone were forced to change their plans and take advantage of a high ranking with the World Boxing Council.

“We tried to go the IBF route but Kiko Martinez didn’t want to fight,” lamented ‘The Jackal’.

“When the champion doesn’t want to fight the mandatory it can put fights off for a year or a year and half.”

The 26-year-old is now targeting Leo Santa Cruz’s WBC belt instead. That bout is far more likely to come off, with Santa Cruz making positive noises about a Frampton fight later this year. Those comments were made on the assumption that both boxers come through interim bouts. Carl’s date with Cazares is fast approaching on April 4 and is all the more important now that Santa Cruz has completed his part of the bargain by beating Cristian Mijares.

“He’s the champion and putting away Cazares means I get to fight him,” said Frampton. “As for Kiko he got knocked out and then got a lucky shot at the champion and beat him so who would want to go and fight the guy again that already knocked you out? He said what he wanted but when push came to shove he didn’t want to fight.”

Frampton also revealed that he was present at the meeting when his promotional team offered Kiko’s team big money to accept the fight. He elaborated that it was no exaggeration to suggest that the purse was ten times’ more than he got paid the last time they met, in an EBU clash at the Odyssey.

“If he’d took that fight with me this year then he would have been the highest paid super-bantamweight in the world and he didn’t take it,” added the former European super-bantamweight champion.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating but that’s through no fault of our own. We have been trying to make fights against the top guys in the world and we are putting ourselves in a position where they are going to have to fight us now. We were led down a path a little bit by the IBF after the Martinez-Mathebula fight but I believe 100 per cent that I’ll fight for a world title this year.”

Breen Backs McCullough to Reach World Level But Isaeu Comes First – 18th March 2014

Belfast trainer John Breen has high hopes for the two leading lights of his gym - Marc McCullough and Jamie Conlan. John reckons that with the right exposure and consistent ring activity the talented pair could aspire to world level. For Breen’s prophecies to come true both men must negotiate past their respective opponents on the April 4 undercard of Frampton-Cazares. McCullough, for one, is expecting to have his hands full with rugged Belarusian Andrei Isaeu in a featherweight 10-rounder for the WBO European strap.

“This is a great opportunity to get my name out there and against a guy who brings a lot of experience,” said Marc, who made a statement last time out with an impressive stoppage win over Willie Casey.

“The fight with Casey gave me a good nine rounds and inside a packed Odyssey too. I’ve only seen clips of my opponent and I know he comes forward and throws a lot of punches but some are quite wild. He’s similar to Casey and he has fought Rendall Munroe in the past so he’ll certainly be tough to beat.”

Isaeu has amassed a credible 25-4 record since turning pro way back in 2002. The 33-year-old was stopped on cuts by Kevin Mitchell in 2006 and on points to quality Ukrainian operator Oleg Yefimovych in 2010 for the EBU title. Andrei has proven in the past that he is not afraid to travel abroad and give a good account of himself and is generally durable enough to push McCullough in to deep waters. This is just the test that the former Cairn Lodge boxer needs at this stage of his fledgling career. It is a test he will have to come through if he is to fulfill the ambitions set out for him and team mate Conlan.

“I believe that with the backing of Barry McGuigan both Marc and Jamie can win world titles,” predicted John Breen.

Cummings Hitting New Heights with Frampton Training Camps – 19th March 2014

Conrad Cummings is busy preparing for his appearance on the mammoth ‘This is Belfast’ card and the Tyrone puncher admits that working in Carl Frampton’s London training camp is helping to lift his game to a whole new level. Conrad enjoyed a debut victory over Andrejs Loginovs in the York Hall recently and that will hopefully help to quell any pre-fight nerves when he steps in to the Odyssey cauldron on April 4.

“It takes a wee bit of pressure off me having already made my debut but originally the Odyssey was supposed be my debut and it’s my second fight and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Cummings.

“Training alongside Carl and with Shane and getting good sparring has helped me to improve every day.”

“Conrad is improving massively,” agreed trainer Shane McGuigan. “On his debut we wanted to get the nerves out of the way and box with the smaller gloves. He’s progressing, finding his range and learning that you have to be effective on the inside and use the distance effectively in professional boxing.”

Shane also ran the rule over the main man, Carl Frampton, who will likely enter the ring on fight night with no more than an inch of fat to spare on his body. This was after Shane stated that the latest camp has once again trimmed his charge into the best condition of his career.

“We say every time that Carl’s in the best shape of his life but he really is. People always think he’s a come-forward fighter but if anything he’s a back foot fighter and we’ve been showing a new dimension of movement in his game. There will only be one outcome on April 4 - he will stop Cazares in the mid-to-late rounds,” said McGuigan.

Shane McGuigan: ‘Frampton-Santa Cruz Can Happen in Belfast’ – 19th March 2014

If Carl Frampton removes the threat of world title eliminator rival Hugo Cazares then a shot at WBC holder Leo Santa Cruz could be on the table for the summer. Even though talk of a stadium fight in Belfast may seem the stuff of dreams, Shane McGuigan believes that it is not so far-fetched.  Shane can envisage Golden Boy Promotions, Showtime TV and their prize asset Santa Cruz travelling across the water to accommodate Frampton in a blockbuster event.

“Yes we are a hard fight to take but we sell tickets and make sure everyone gets looked after and well paid,” said Shane, laying out the reasons why world-class operators could view Belfast as an attractive fight destination.

“Everybody in the super-bantamweight division knows who Carl Frampton is because he’s such a threat. Nobody knocks out Kiko Martinez, especially in the manner he did, so they are all running scared. It’s a similar situation with Rigondeaux, if you’re good then people don’t want to fight you and if they do fight then they want to get well paid. Rigondeaux struggles because he doesn’t sell any tickets but we do and that’s the thing that we’ve got.”

With so much conjecture and possible scenarios it is hard to fathom exactly who will fight who and where it will take place. Santa Cruz has made positive noises about coming over to Ireland to face Carl and is equally as interested in his rival title holders. The California resident dismissed the challenge of veteran southpaw Cristian Mijares on Saturday night and made positive noises about a Frampton fight afterwards. So does Shane McGuigan think it would be possible to make Frampton-Santa Cruz in a Belfast summer showdown on Showtime TV?

“Oh one hundred per cent yeah, Golden Boy are excited to be working with us which offers really good potential for Cyclone Promotions,” enthused McGuigan.

“They bring the TV rights and a lot of power in the boxing field so for us it’s just about getting this win out of the way and getting Santa Cruz over here. Styles make fights and that would be a fantastic fight, the two of them will blend so well. Santa Cruz swarms over people and it shows that if you move your feet with this guy he can be nullified as he’s not going to be coming out dancing around like Sugar Ray Leonard. In his fight against [Cesar] Seda he looked pretty sloppy but in all his other fights he looked fantastic.”

‘Ormond Is Ready for Crawford’ Says Paschal Collins – 21st March 2014

Highly-respected trainer Paschal Collins believes that his lightweight protégé Stephen Ormond is destined for the top and would relish a crack at Terence Crawford if the opportunity arose. Slippery American Crawford left Scotland with Ricky Burns’ WBO title earlier this month and Paschal cited Ormond’s high pressure style and professional attitude as evidence that he could mix with the division’s finest.

“Stephen is ready to step-up and fight the likes of Terence Crawford,” affirmed Collins.

“When Ormond has a better opponent then he will step up to the next level and he has already lifted two levels since the Derry Mathews fight. He showed before that fight that he could step in at a week’s notice and take a fight against Adam Dingsdale which was a tough night’s work. Leading up to Mathews we had the right notice and the financial backing to bring in the right sparring partners and we showed what we could do. Carl (Frampton) knows from sparring that Stephen is as game as anything.”

Paschal also revealed that some people are looking at Ormond’s April 4 opponent, Karim El Ouazghari, as a potential banana skin who, if taken lightly, could quickly cut short the Clondalkin man’s career momentum. Indeed, the 34-year-old Spaniard will arrive in Belfast with a reputation for pushing good quality fighters to the wire. One boxer who did manage to get the better of El Ouazghari was Kevin Mitchell, the former world title challenger who nearly fought Ormond himself.

“Let me just say that twice Stephen was down to fight Kevin Mitchell and twice that fight fell through,” said Collins. “We’ve never avoided anybody and whoever gets mentioned we take the fight with them. Karim (El Ouazghari) gave Mitchell trouble before the fight was stopped controversially and he also gave John Murray trouble.”

As for the man himself, Ormond said that he is happy to be featured on the Odyssey bill and he sampled the fervent support and electric atmosphere served up by Frampton’s following at the Jeremy Parodi fight last October. The 30-year-old, beaten only once in 17 fights, also respects El Ouazghari and is well aware that he can ill afford to switch off for a single moment to savour the atmosphere with such a dangerous foe willing to tackle him head on.

“It’s a tough opponent for me and I saw him fight Kevin Mitchell. He’s very fit and he’ll come forward. I needed an opponent like Derry Mathews, a name on my record to push my career forward, so it was great to put the gym work in and it all worked out on the night,” said Ormond.

Paschal and his team down at the Celtic Warrior gym clearly have belief in the potential of Ormond who has put his narrow 2012 Celtic title loss to Paul Appleby down to experience. He has already earned the WBO European title [which he will defend against El Ouazghari] but even bigger nights could be on the cards in the near future.

“We need a promoter behind us to get the world title fight but Barry (McGuigan) is offering us the platform to show what Stephen can do. Who knows, we might have a world title double header with Stephen and Carl one day,” said Collins.

Wilton on Cloud Nine After Holiday Inn Victory – 22nd March 2014

Undefeated Belfast light-welterweight Matthew Wilton recorded his ninth professional victory with a 60-54 win over Lewie O’Mara at the Holiday Inn. Wilton (10st 9lbs) showed smooth boxing skills and dominated the rounds, keeping O’Mara at a safe distance with jabs to the head and left hooks to the body. Portsmouth’s O’Mara (10st 6lbs) was busy but failed to let his hands go often enough as referee Hugh Russell made sure the action flowed in this six-rounder. The only blemish on a perfect evening occurred in the fourth round when ‘Speedy’ suffered a cut to the left eye. Matthew’s corner team expertly stopped the injury from becoming a factor in the outcome.

Performance of the night went to Romford’s Anthony Upton who stopped Belfast’s Alec Bazza in the fourth round of a four-threes. Upton (10st 0lbs 9oz) dropped Bazza (10st 0lbs 3oz) in the second round and he was down again in the third round from a glancing right hand. The 22-year-old quickly moved up the gears, switching his languid style for a more purposeful front-foot assault as he sought a second professional victory. The end arrived at 1-55 of the fourth when a right hand thumped into Bazza’s face and sent him sprawling across the canvas. Bazza tried to continue but it was rightly stopped by John Lowey.

Alfredo Meli continued his push towards title class with a 60-54 victory over London-based Albanian Festim Lama. Meli (11st 6lbs) attacked with more vigour than usual and threw everything he had at Lama (11st 8lbs 4oz) who soaked it all up. Paul McCullagh officiated.

Popular featherweight Paul Quinn sent his legion of fans home happy again after John Lowey awarded him a 40-36 victory over Swindon’s Joe Beeden. Beeden (9st 6lbs 7oz) ended a nine-fight winless streak in his previous fight but Quinn (9st 4lbs) soon warmed to the task and bossed matters behind the jab.

Mark Morris won his four-rounder in explosive style with a first-round knockout of Dudley’s Ryan Corrigan. Southpaw Corrigan (9st 5lbs 2oz) fell heavily after a powerful right hand from Morris (9st 9lbs). The dazed visitor rose tentatively and Hugh Russell terminated the contest at 1-57.

Bangor light-middleweight Casey Blair staved off the threat of New Cummock’s Billy Campbell to earn a 39-37 debut win on Paul McCullagh’s scorecard. Blood-soaked Blair (11st 5lbs) marched forward, refusing to be deterred by the accurate jab of Campbell (10st 12lbs).

Jamie Conlan Ready to Move Into Title Class on Cyclone Undercard – 25th March 2014

Jamie Conlan is hoping that he can push on towards major titles after signing terms with Cyclone Promotions. The talented super-flyweight is due to face Belgian Benjamin Smoes on April 4 after Smoes completed his part of the bargain with a four-round decision victory on March 22 over Cosmin Paun. Conlan will contest a WBO fringe title on the Odyssey show and the Belfast boxer is long overdue a crack at the British and Commonwealth belts. Now, with some much-needed promotional clout behind him, it is surely only a matter of time before the BBBofC grant Jamie his chance.

“I’m not worrying about Paul Butler or the Board at the moment until I get April 4 out of the way first,” admitted the 27-year-old who has adopted his ring moniker as ‘The Mexican’.

“We thought that we could at least get something like a Commonwealth title fight but it hasn't happened for this show but we will get a title fight anyway. All I need is the experience and activity.”

Jamie was ringside in Dublin on March 7 to see his brother Michael lift an Elite amateur title at his new weight class and start the flyweight journey to world domination. Michael brushed aside Holy Family boxer Tyrone McCullagh for a unanimous decision victory and Jamie confessed that he was nervous as always watching his brother boxing.

“Michael was winning easily but it was a scrappy fight that was never going to be pretty. I told Michael not to worry about the TV cameras in the final and I would’ve preferred Kurt Walker [Canal boxer who lost to McCullagh in the semi-final]. That would've been a real spectacle but he got the win anyway against Tyrone and the toughest thing is to get out of Ireland.”

This unbeaten boxer (10 wins with six knockouts) was speaking at a Europa Hotel press conference organised specifically to showcase the supporting cast of the huge ‘This is Belfast’ show. Conlan was sporting a freshly acquired black eye. Could it be that fellow gym mate Marc McCullough inflicted the shiner in a recent sparring session?

“No, it was Mick gave me this black eye last night, he put the thumb in!” laughed Jamie.

“I did four with Marc and four with Michael and I thought I’d slipped the shot and then felt a burn in the eye and up it came. These guys push you so hard, the fitness work goes up a notch, I feel great from my sparring and cannot wait for fight night. My runs are getting easier, my sprints and everything else is coming together.”

Conlan tuned in to BoxNation to see potential rival Paul Butler breeze past Oreste Nieva in four rounds of a scheduled 12. He commended Butler on a job well done and said that Paul always looks good even though the opponent on this occasion wasn’t that solid. If both boxers keep winning then Conlan thinks the bout will eventually come to fruition, at either super-flyweight or bantamweight.

“Bantamweight is an option if things don’t work out but it’s only an extra three pounds and I can make super-fly alright at the moment. I would consider an offer at bantamweight if it came up. It’s just a matter of time before I get that big opportunity. Butler has been topping his own bills in Liverpool for the past four or five fights and he’s been getting experience against tough guys over 12 rounds.

“I am still on undercards but I will start getting that exposure now. That’s all Butler has over me because skill wise I’d jump in with any of them right now,” he said.

Sonny on the Up After Dublin Victory –

26th March 2014

Sonny Upton has pushed his unfortunate debut defeat firmly into the past and the welterweight prospect is now eager to positively channel the experiences gained from some high-quality sparring sessions. After negotiating his way past Kevin McCauley in February the 24-year-old showed he has the skills and cool temperament to go far in professional boxing.

“Mike and Ricky have been teaching me the tricks of the trade and telling me not to lose my head. Kevin McCauley’s been around the block, he was a good, tough opponent,” said Upton.

“We were after a six-rounder but he only wanted four and if it had of been changed to six I think I could’ve just outboxed him even more or maybe got a stoppage. Kevin’s obviously been in there and hit me on the back of the head and put his own head in a couple of times but I didn’t rise to it because if you lose the head you lose the fight and the game plan goes out of the window.

“You’re in the gym to learn and improve. I’ve been sparring middleweights and even a super-middleweight in the gym leading up to this fight. Guys like Sergei Rabchenko, Junior Witter and team mate Adam Little and a few of Brendan Ingle’s boys as well. That’s all very good experience because a lot of them have had pro fights as well and they know their way around the block.”

On the night Sonny enjoyed excellent support from punters who travelled from a variety of locations including Belfast, Essex, London, Scotland, Wales and Manchester. Upton explained that rather than “fans” he prefers to refer to his following hordes as simply friends and family. Upton is a well-grounded young man who gives discerning observers exactly what they want to see in the ring.

“It was strange being back here at the Stadium because the last time I fought here was against Ross Hickey for the [amateur] World Box-Off. I pulled a ligament in my arm and he ended up winning the fight; it was a great performance from Hickey. It’s an honour to be back though because this is where it all started and I like to call it home. It’s my first pro victory in Dublin and hopefully I can get back over for more shows in Ireland.”

Manager Ricky Hatton is expecting big things from Upton but stressed the fact that he is still only young and needs time to develop his physique and “man’s strength”.

“Kevin McCauley fights all the prospects and very few knock him out. It’s only the champions like Rabchenko and Vassell who stop him,” enthused Hatton who also explained the pre-fight confusion over whether the bout was a four or six-rounder.

“I thought it was a four-rounder and then we were told it was a six so I kept my mouth shut but when he [McCauley] got in the ring he said it was a four. It was worth a try! From a coaching point of view Sonny’s improving on what he’s doing in the gym and he’s doing those things in the ring so it’s pleasing for me. Bit by bit he’s getting better.

“I’m delighted that Gary Hyde gave us the chance and hopefully it will be a regular thing for Sonny to fight here in Dublin,” added Ricky.

McGuigan Plotting Big Nights in Belfast for Undercard Starlets – 27th March 2014

The huge April 4 Odyssey show is sold out and a thrilled Barry McGuigan is expecting plenty of quality bouts to keep an enthusiastic Belfast crowd entertained. The various governing bodies have been contacted and title fights approved. Jamie Conlan will face Benjamin Smoes for the WBO European super-flyweight belt while Eamonn O’Kane will hope to curry favour with the WBC as he tackles Mexico’s Alvaro Gaona for the organisation’s vacant International Silver middleweight title. Four bouts on the night will have belts on the line and if all goes to plan there could be some smaller hall shows planned later in the year for the new breed to flex their muscles on.

“We want to get the fighters good rankings and give the fans a chance to see good quality, competitive fights,” explained Barry McGuigan.

“All of the lads want to fight regularly against tough opposition. The advantage of having these title fights is quite simple. Eamonn O’Kane is already in the top 15 of the IBF [currently ninth] but this next fight will put him up the rankings of another governing body [the WBC] as well. We have to create a chance for these guys to fight for meaningful titles. There are certain aficionados out there who don’t like the various titles but it gives these kids a chance to box 10 and 12 round contests at championship level. They’ve got to be seen at that level before they get the opportunity for big fights.”

Cyclone has since announced the exciting double-signing of Jamie Conlan and Marc McCullough and will look to push the pair into high-profile encounters. Barry views McCullough as the best featherweight in the UK and Ireland behind Lee Selby and even ventured the opinion that in a couple of fights’ time he will be breathing down the talented Welshman’s neck. He also rates Conlan extremely highly.

“Jamie Conlan’s in a red-hot division that has the likes of Kal Yafai, Ryan Burnett and Paul Butler all in and around. Jamie has the quality and the pedigree to fight and beat any of these guys. Eamonn O’Kane is 31 years old but he’s very well preserved for his age and we’ve not seen the best of him yet. We want to get him into impactful fights.”

One grey area that remains for Conlan is the status of the British and Commonwealth titles. Jamie has been hanging around waiting for a crack at the super-flyweight trinkets for a while and he would even consider a move up to bantamweight should a favourable opportunity present itself. It seemed that with Paul Butler moving up to bantamweight himself then the domestic titles would be made available for other fighters to contest. In keeping with Jamie’s run of bad luck this now appears not to be the case, as the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) contrives to help Butler have his cake and eat it, at two weights.

“We immediately contacted the BBBofC when we heard Butler was moving up and said that we wanted to put Jamie’s name forward for the British or Commonwealth titles and the WBO International title,” said McGuigan.

“According to the British Board, Butler is not going to vacate the title as he is having a trial at bantamweight. I said to the Board that they can’t have it both ways. Because he hasn’t actually vacated the titles they are not yet available, so Jamie won’t be fighting for any of them. Jamie has been on the cusp of title fights for a long time and we want people to see him and know that he is really exceptional.”

Carl Frampton: ‘It’s Not Just About Winning, I Have to Look Good’ – 29th March 2014

All is well in training camp and the last hard week of sparring is done and dusted. Carl Frampton is mellowing down and readying himself for a WBC eliminator against Hugo Cazares that will, if successful, push him closer to a world title opportunity. Trainer Shane McGuigan has overseen almost 200 rounds of sparring in the build-up and the WBC’s 30-day weight check-in is routinely ticked off the list. Frampton is fully aware that he needs to be in the best shape of his career to mix at such an esteemed level. He admits that with huge prizes within touching distance it is not just about winning his upcoming bout with ‘El Increible’ but looking good in the process.

“I need to not just win each fight but look good and exciting as well,” agreed ‘The Jackal’, who has one eye on America and its often fickle audience of fight followers.

“[The ‘This is Belfast’ show] is definitely the biggest bill in the country in a long time and I’m proud to be topping it. You’ll see plenty of well-matched, competitive fights.”

Carl has been eager to point out that looks can be deceiving. Despite his sawn-off-shotgun physique the Tigers Bay boxer is perfectly capable of implementing a bit of the sweet science when necessary.

“I think in previous camps I’ve tried to go forward, work close and on the inside. People look at me, see that I’m short and stocky and automatically think I’m an aggressive fighter but I actually prefer fighters to come to me. I’ve been working hard on staying in the pocket, slipping and blocking up close and working inside. I feel like I’m improving at that and I'm much better. I will hopefully put it all into practise on fight night,” he added.

Prior to his arrival in Belfast Hugo Cazares mentioned that he had watched Frampton’s bouts with Kiko Martinez and Raul Hirales and apparently commented that in both fights Frampton boxed going backwards for long periods. If the Mexican arrives at the Odyssey expecting a one dimensional opponent then he will be sorely mistaken.

“He might be expecting that again and thinks that he can come forward but I can win the fight either way and use whatever game plan we think will win,” affirmed Frampton.

“Guillermo Rigondeaux is an amazing fighter, one of my favourite fighters, but he gets so much stick because the Yanks think he’s boring to watch. The Americans are starting to bring a bit of interest now and talking about me. I want to fight in America at some point in my career and I need to look good.”

Frampton Blasts Away Cazares and Full Undercard Round-Up – 5th April 2014

Carl Frampton moved one step closer to a world title shot by stopping former two-time world champion Hugo Cazares in the second round. Entering the ring to the raucous atmosphere he has become accustomed to, Frampton was out to rubberstamp his credentials and prove that he belongs in the ring with the likes of WBC world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Cazares was greeted by a cacophony of boos and right from the start he made it clear he intended to employ some veteran tactics to help fiddle his way through the fight.

Cazares loosened up his body before the opening round by making exaggerated stretching motions in the corner of the ring. Scottish referee Victor Loughlin hurried him out and little time had passed before Frampton began commanding centre ring. ‘The Jackal’ quickly found a home for the left hook and made Cazares change stance. The savvy visitor switched from orthodox to southpaw and shipped a neat right hand down the middle towards the end of the first round.

By the second round Carl was timing his left hook perfectly, using sweet lateral movement and closing down his wily southpaw opponent. Frampton landed a shot to the leg that was milked by Cazares who hobbled around the ring claiming he was badly hurt. Seconds later a huge left hook landed and Cazares’s feet betrayed him. He fell to the canvas and referee Victor Loughlin moved in and counted him out. Bizarrely, despite the referee clearly counting in front of Hugo, who winked across the ring at Frampton, the veteran simply failed to rise in time. Whether Cazares mistimed the count or simply sat it out is debatable but he was still on his haunches when Mr Loughlin reached number 10, at 1-38 of the second session.

Frampton won a final eliminator for Leo Santa Cruz’s WBC super-bantamweight crown but Cazares was complaining after the fight that he had been unfairly halted. Even though the ending could’ve been cleaner, it is not Frampton’s fault that the away man failed to rise in time. Even if he had beaten the count, it is unlikely that he would’ve lasted much longer. Cazares said later at the press conference that he would be talking to the WBC about the ending and he was distracted by some ‘speakers’ (perhaps noise from the time keeper’s microphone?) and that the situation was confusing. He was non-committal on many issues but did say that Frampton could beat Santa Cruz but not by stoppage.

Cyclone Promotions are planning to make a huge financial offer to Santa Cruz’s representatives in a bid to coax the California resident over to Belfast. If that does to come to fruition then Carl would have to travel to the USA to face the belt holder. Santa Cruz is signed with Al Haymon and it is hoped that rumoured disagreements within the Golden Boy camp between De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer do not derail the big fight.

On the Odyssey undercard Eamonn O’Kane scored a sensational first-round knockout over Mexico’s Alvaro Gaona to claim the vacant WBC International Silver title. Eamonn is also highly ranked by the IBF and now the Dungiven man will be on the lookout for world title shots.

“That’s the way we want it, short and sweet,” grinned O’Kane after his early night.

“It’s the hard work that makes it so easy. Everything came together beautifully and I can’t remember the last time I knocked someone out in the first round which says a lot. Everybody wants the green belt [WBC] and I want to be fighting for world titles.”

O’Kane meant business from the start and wasted little time trapping Gaona into the corner and unloading with big hooks from wide angles. 28-year-old Gaona was flicking out jabs from both hands and opening his body. He was loose and flexible and looked relaxed but, as it turned out, overly so. Eamonn stepped in and took advantage of Alvaro’s low hands to land a peach of a right hand straight to the temple. The Mexican crumpled into a neutral corner and German referee Juergen Langos counted him out at 2-42 of the opener.

“I’ll talk to my team and see what we can do next but I want the big ones,” said O’Kane.

Trainer Oscar Checa was equally as delighted with his man’s display: “That was a brilliant performance because he took what we worked on in the gym and got the job done. I predicted that we would finish him with that shot and I told Eamonn to look for it.

“World titles are realistic and we will be looking for an eliminator or something like that,” added Checa.

Jamie Conlan showed any potential rivals that he is a force to be reckoned with when he impressively dispatched Benjamin Smoes in the seventh round of their title contest. Conlan’s leap into title class was no surprise but the way the John Breen-trained fighter dealt with his opponent sends out a message that Jamie is the real deal.

Apart from two trips to nearby France Smoes had only boxed in his native country and Conlan’s supporters made sure he knew straight off that he was the away man. Ripping in to the Belgian with raking jabs and trademark left hooks to the body, the Belfast boxer gave his foe no time to settle. Smoes was compact enough and taller than Conlan; he also looked a little fleshy around the middle.

Smoes coped well until the fifth session when Conlan upped the pressure and brought blood from the visitor’s nose. Suddenly Smoes was suffering; he was gasping for air and starting to tire. Soaking up a solid combination to head and body Smoes fell for a count off referee Steve Gray. He rose unconvincingly and opted to box on; the bell sounded at the right moment to delay the inevitable ending. It was academic by the seventh round as another rapid fire Conlan flurry landed and Benjamin sunk to his knees. Mr Gray called it off at 0-23 of the round. This was just the test that Conlan needed in order to progress his career. The only blemish on the night was a cut to the right eye, following a head clash that was never allowed to cause a problem in the bout. Cornerman Eamonn Magee dealt with it in between rounds to keep ‘The Mexican’ on track.

Conlan picked up the WBO European super-flyweight title for his troubles and is expecting the big fights to start rolling in now that he is on the Cyclone Promotions roster. Former featherweight champion Istvan Kovacs presented Jamie with his new belt.

“I should’ve been more nervous than I was going out tonight but I felt great. I wanted to go the distance and take a shot, and feel tired in there. The body shots were working well and I’m boxing again on May 23 hopefully,” said Jamie after the bout.

Marc McCullough brushed aside the disappointment of losing out on a title opportunity by defeating substitute opponent Elemir Rafael inside three one-sided rounds. After original foe Andrey Isaeu pulled out Cyclone Promotions were left scrambling around for a new man at short notice. Rafael eventually filled in but the Slovakian southpaw was unable to handle McCullough’s heavy assaults. Blasting away to Rafael’s body and tortoise shell guard Marc was levelling out all his frustration. It was a thumping right hand in the second round that dropped Rafael who hauled his way up to convince referee Paul McCullagh that he would receive more punishment.

He fiddled through to the third round but with more combinations fizzling in from all angles it was left to McCullagh to drag McCullough away and wave the bout off 0-59 into the third.

“I was gutted when the title fight fell through and my head was away a bit but I’ll move on,” said McCullough.

Marc is now eyeing an appearance at the Waterfront in late May when Cyclone Promotions stage a small hall event.

Conrad Cummings opened the show with a comprehensive stoppage of Bulgarian Zahari Mustafchiev. Cummings employed a solid jab and some well-placed body shots to put his 40-year-old visitor immediately on the back foot. Trainer Shane McGuigan has clearly been working on Conrad’s style as he resisted the temptation to bull inside and throw the big hooks as he had done before. Instead, Cummings displayed more maturity and patience as he hacked down his man with precision. After sustaining a beating to head and body in the first round, Mustafchiev ended the second with a nasty cut above his right eye. The blood was smeared down his cheek and it looked like the bout may be coming to an end. Zahari was eager to continue but referee Hugh Russell called over the doctor and it was terminated at the beginning of the third. Cummings, who had his first fight pro fight in London recently, is already comfortable at six-round level.

Stephen Ormond retained his WBO European lightweight title in emphatic fashion with a fifth-round knockout of Spain’s Karim El Ouazghari. Both men were in fine condition and fought at a high pace with marks of battle evident across each face following some punishing early encounters. Dubliner Ormond landed the left hook frequently to body and head as El Ouazghari found it difficult to find a way in to range without being tagged. The squat and muscled fan-favourite was able to find room for his shots in the fifth and ended matters in stunning fashion.

Just as it seemed the bout was destined for the full 10 rounds Stephen landed a flush right hand to remove El Ouazghari from his senses. Karim buckled badly but stayed upright. Ormond accepted the invitation of a stricken foe and proceeded to land a follow-up right that dropped his man to the floor. El Ouazghari got to his feet and wobbled around before referee Steve Gray terminated the contest 2-05 into the fifth-round with the Spaniard being in no position to continue.

Ryan Burnett and Isaac Dogboe were both pulled from the card after unrelated complications.

View from Press Row: How the Boxing Media Called Frampton vs. Cazares – 6th April 2014

“There was some “controversy” about the count, but only, as best I could tell, in the fact that Cazares stayed kneeling and smiling at Frampton while the referee counted him out. From what I could tell watching on TV, referee Victor Loughlin was being perfectly clear, counting with his voice and his fingers, so even a translation issue can’t be cited. It was either Cazares deciding not to continue, then protesting when he was counted out, or Cazares simply having a mental lapse. Either way, it didn’t seem to be on the referee.

“Frampton (18-0, 13 KO) now moves forward, and appears headed for a fall showdown with Leo Santa Cruz, which could be a truly great fight. He’s expressed a desire to have a tune-up before then, perhaps in June, and he certainly stayed fresh and fit with today’s fight, ending things early and taking no punishment.” Scott Christ, Bad Left Hook

“Before 9,000 Frampton maniacs, the 5ft 5’ 122lb fighting machine rubber stamped his World title credentials by dismantling two-weight champion Cazares with a cocktail of blistering hand speed and monumental power. The pride in the former world light-flyweight and super-flyweight champion – ranked number one by the WBC going into the fight – led him to offer a protest to referee Loughlin but it was significant that his cornermen did not back up his suggestion of a premature stoppage. Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan immediately stated that negotiations for the showdown with Santa Cruz would now be cranked up over the coming weeks.” David Kelly, Belfast Telegraph

Odyssey Undercard Stars Ready to Move on to Bigger Things – 7th April 2014

Jamie Conlan finally got a title belt around his waist following a seventh-round stoppage victory over durable Belgian Benjamin Smoes on Friday night. Conlan’s bout was increased to a 12-round affair which will work in his favour whenever a case is made for British or Commonwealth title shots.

“I felt so relaxed and comfortable and I was landing the big shots,” said Conlan. “He was a tough guy and he stuck in there. You learn things in these fights that you don’t with journeymen. I can go another level above that again.”

Former WBO featherweight titlist Istvan ‘Koko’ Kovacs paid Conlan a visit after the fight to express his satisfaction at the prospect’s display.

“Kovacs was really impressed and he said that he expects big things from me now. That’s coming from a great former champion and Olympic gold medallist.”

The only blemish on a perfect night’s work was a nasty gash above the right eye that required nine stitches. Trainer John Breen agreed that it was all part of the learning curve for his fighter.

“It was unfortunate but Smoes and his trainer said to me afterwards that Jamie hits very hard. I thought Jamie was a big super-flyweight but that guy was massive,” said Breen.

Conlan will meet with Cyclone Promotions later in the week to discuss his next move. He had been hoping to appear on a proposed May 23 show in the Waterfront. It is now unlikely that he will be ready to box on that date due to the doctor’s instructions of no sparring for four weeks as the cut heals.

Dungiven’s Eamonn O’Kane found it difficult to hide his delight at having a WBC belt around his waist. That it was only the International Silver version mattered little to the middleweight who is planning to use the title as a springboard to bigger opportunities.

O’Kane was unaware of opponent Alvaro Gaona before their bout and was in no mood to find out what the Mexican had to offer. After some early target practice Eamonn landed a perfect overhand right to put Gaona down and out at 2:42 of the first round.

“I can’t remember the last time I knocked someone out in the first round, which says a lot. I’ll talk to my team and see what we can do next but I want the big ones,” said O’Kane.

Marc McCullough was hoping to contest a WBO European title but had to make the best of a six-rounder. Slovakia’s Elemir Rafael was pulled across the card to accommodate McCullough after fears the Shankill Road ticket-seller would not appear at all. France’s Amor Belahdj Ali had been drafted in after original opponent Andrey Iseau suffered visa problems. After arriving in Belfast it soon transpired that Ali had failed a brain scan.

“I was devastated when I got the news at 4pm that the fight was off,” lamented McCullough. “I had sold so many tickets that John Breen just kept me focused and said go out and look good.”

Marc stopped Rafael in the third round and is aiming to fight on the May 23 show.

Conrad Cummings defeated Zahari Mustafchiev by third-round knockout and Stephen Ormond dispatched Karim El Ouazghari in the fifth. Bantamweight Ryan Burnett had his bout curtailed due to paperwork complications.

McGuigan Weighing Up the Options for Frampton-Santa Cruz – 10th April 2014

Now that the dust has settled and Hugo Cazares been packed back off to Mexico to learn his numbers it’s time to talk about Carl Frampton’s next move. The subject was classified in the “off limits” section of discussion during the build-up to the WBC eliminator but now Leo Santa Cruz’s name is no longer taboo. Cyclone Promotions’ CEO Barry McGuigan is preparing to meet with Leo’s representatives and hopefully thrash out a deal for a mega-fight later his year.

“We’re going to sit down for some negotiations with Golden Boy,” confirmed Barry. “I will be going out in the next couple of weeks to speak to Richard Schaefer. Leo Santa Cruz is a credible champion, he doesn’t blow smoke, he wants to fight Frampton and they are very interested.”

Talk of a potential rift between Golden Boy’s main men Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer, has gathered momentum over the past few weeks. Once you throw in the comings and goings at HBO, as well as power-player Al Haymon lurking around in the background, it has the capacity to make negotiations a little more difficult than had been expected. However, as Shane McGuigan rightly pointed out, despite their in-house rifts Golden Boy still need to run shows and fulfill contractual obligations with TV network Showtime. Barry McGuigan is also relatively unconcerned.

“That is by-the-by, it’s not important. More importantly is the interest they’ve shown in fighting Frampton,” he said when informed of Golden Boy’s internal struggles.

“They have an agreement with Showtime who have an interest in Carl. Peter Nelson from HBO also has an interest in Carl but we want Santa Cruz and he’s with Showtime. We’ll move on to the next one anyway and that’s what really matters.

“Santa Cruz desperately wants to fight Carl and the only concern is that it would end up on the undercard of something like a Mayweather fight and the journalists and fans would have to travel but we’ve reached that stage in his career where all of the fights are very important. Carl has said that he will travel to America, to the East Coast, the West Coast or to Texas, we’ll go anywhere. Golden Boy have a deal with the Barclays Centre but over here we’d put 15 or 20,000 people in an arena for the fight so the Barclays Centre isn’t big enough.”

Even though it looks increasingly likely that the bout will end up Stateside, McGuigan is still exploring options closer to home. The Santa Cruz fight makes financial sense but Barry is exploring all avenues with the likes of Abner Mares and Jhonny Gonzalez being monitored from a distance. In the short term, what an occasion it would be if Cyclone was able to coax Santa Cruz and his team over to Belfast for a huge world title night.

“We’re looking at the outside arena at the King’s Hall, the Balmoral Showgrounds. We are also looking at the old MEN arena - the Phones4U I think it’s called now. We’d like it to be here and if Carl doesn’t fight for the title in the summer then I want to keep him active and be busy.”

Even though Frampton himself is hoping for a showdown in Northern Ireland he confirmed that he is indeed looking to fulfill his ambition of impressing the US fight fans and building a following across the water.

“I’ve always dreamed of fighting in America and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get on a big bill and see how they do things. I boxed a ‘D Garcia’ in Philadelphia when I was 14 or 15 and all I remember is that he had a big left hook. I’m not saying it was the same guy,” smiled Frampton.

Pat Magee Has Big Plans for Philip Sutcliffe Jnr – 16th April 2014

Phil Sutcliffe Jnr will be fighting for the European title in 10 fights’ time if new manager Pat Magee’s career plan comes to fruition. Pat has plenty of experience in the boxing game after managing Brian Magee and Kiko Martinez in recent years. Now he sees Sutcliffe as the man with the right credentials to push Dublin boxing back on to the map.

“Phil has always been a big puncher; he was an elite amateur boxer and an Irish international. His father was an Olympian so he has the pedigree to go all the way,” said Magee.

“He's already won five fights with five knockouts. OK it was against poor enough opposition but we will gradually step him up and I would say that within another 10 fights he will be fighting for a European title. Those 10 fights could be inside two years, or 18 months or less but let’s see what progress he makes. Anybody they’ve put in front of him up until now he’s knocked them out so who knows?”

Phil will continue to train with his father in Crumlin boxing club with Panamanian Bernardo Checa adding some expert input from his Belfast base. As Magee explained, Checa has mixed in world class so if Sutcliffe is to develop into a world class boxer then he needs a team with a strong reputation and proven results.

“He’s had treatment on his right hand so at the moment he’s waiting for clearance from the specialist. We expect that clearance to come within the next couple of weeks so his first fight will probably be the end of May or into June. We’re waiting for the specialist’s approval but once that happens we will start making arrangements for his next fight,” added Pat.

Magee confirmed that, alongside his business partner John Rooney, he will be running shows in Dublin to facilitate Sutcliffe’s development. One fighter who will not be appearing on those shows is Brian Magee who has been busy running his thriving new gym. Rumours of a possible fight with James DeGale seem wide of the mark.

“At the moment Brian is concentrating on his new gym and there’s nothing on the horizon for him at the moment,” confirmed Pat Magee.

‘I’m Making a Complaint to the WBC’ Says Angry Cazares – 17th April 2014

Hugo Cazares claimed that he was angry with his stoppage loss to Carl Frampton on April 4. Even though the referee was receiving the brunt of the disgust he should also accept some responsibility for failing to answer the count on time.

“I was feeling OK and the referee didn’t tell me to come here or stand up and I wanted to use all of the time I had to get up,” Cazares said through an interpreter. “I’ve been in countings [sic] before and it was confusing. Yes, I was ready to get up and fight again.”

Hugo said that he was hearing two sounds, one from the ref and one from some mystery speakers. He also tried to say that he got up when he heard nine. Watching the fight back again will reveal that the latter was not actually the case.

“I hope the WBC takes action about the referee and speakers going at the same time. It was a misunderstanding with the referee’s count. Yes he was holding up his fingers but I was listening to his voice and it was confusing,” continued the former two-time world champion.

“Because of the magnitude of the event the referee should’ve had more criteria on what to do if there was a knockdown. The atmosphere was not a problem for me. I’ve fought in Japan, Puerto Rico and Panama and the crowd is always against me and we knew that when we came here. The crowd did not affect me at all and I was not intimidated.”

When pressed on Carl’s strengths, Cazares said that the Tigers Bay banger was physically strong and it proved difficult to get clean opportunities to hit the unbeaten prospect. Hugo remained tight-lipped on whether he will now look to hang up his own gloves or not. He said he plans to talk to his team and promoter and views the loss as a big obstacle to any future career plans. He will now check the video, analyse it and talk to the WBC.

While the battle-scarred Central American fades off into the sunset, Carl Frampton will be relatively unconcerned as he comfortably assumes prime position for a scrap with Leo Santa Cruz. Cazares, however, views Santa Cruz as a very tough opponent for Frampton, particularly if the proposed bout takes place in the USA.

“Then Santa Cruz will be receiving the shouts from his crowd and Frampton will not be in his house and with his own people,” Cazares (perhaps) chuckled manically.

“If it were here in Belfast he would win but I don’t think Santa Cruz comes here. I don’t think Frampton knocks him out either. Yes he’s ready for the fight but he has to take care of some little things, like his defence. He opens a lot when he throws punches and he needs more experience outside of his home.”

Cazares Is in the Past As Frampton Targets Santa Cruz Mega-Fight – 17th April 2014

The referee crouched to his knees and stared directly into the eyes of the grizzled Mexican veteran. Hugo Cazares looked across the ring at his adversary and winked. Carl Frampton stood motionless in a neutral corner, waiting for further instructions from referee Victor Loughlin - waiting to be unleashed so he could finish the job.

Despite his apparent clear eyes and willingness to continue, Cazares failed to rise on time and was rightly counted out. He protested in the ring, his corner protested and he carried his objections in to the post-fight press conference. Regardless of what he had known beforehand and regardless of his excuses (which were probably genuine) the count reached 10 and he remained stationary. Referee Loughlin had no choice but to end the fight and declare Frampton the winner of the WBC super-bantamweight title eliminator.

“He’s been around for long enough that he should know how to count to 10 in English. If the ref counts to 10 and you’re still on your knees then you’re out of the fight,” agreed Frampton.

“That was a good performance; he hasn’t been dropped like that in a long time. Santa Cruz said he wanted to wait until September or October to fight again but I saw a tweet saying that he was back in the gym.”

Even though Carl cannot really remember the finishing blow, he knows, like the rest of us, that it was a peach of a shot and represents the sort of killer instinct that will certainly be enough to concern the division’s elite.

“I’m a big believer in my power and I know that no matter how tough the fight gets I still have the power. I thought I would’ve stopped him after eight or nine rounds and I genuinely didn’t think that I would stop him as early.”

Increasingly, as Frampton’s stock rises and more people jump aboard the hype train, the elephant in the room remains Guillermo Rigondeaux. Carl has made it clear that he does not plan on avoiding the ultra-talented Cuban and will go looking for him as and when he defeats Santa Cruz.

“I see Rigondeaux as the best super-bantamweight in the world and if I beat Santa Cruz then he’s the guy I’ll be facing next.”

Cyclone Promotions’ CEO Barry McGuigan reckons that his young fighter is not just fighting for himself but views Frampton as the standard bearer for Irish boxing. No pressure then.

“Any super-bantamweight in the world that he hits cleanly on the chin he’ll knock out. We know Carl can fight off the back foot but he knocked Cazares out on the front foot. Ireland is full of talent and we are going to sign other kids but this guy is the flag bearer,” said Barry.

Hugo Cazares: ‘Frampton Didn’t Hit Me the Hardest’ – 20th April 2014

Even though he crumbled in the second round after eating a big Carl Frampton left hook, Hugo Cazares says that he has been hit harder in his career. The well-travelled Mexican has negotiated many rounds during his long stint as a pro boxer and reckons that he is in a good position to judge Frampton’s punching power.

“In 2006 in Puerto Rico Nelson Dieppa hit me hard but the next round I knocked him out,” explained Hugo. “In 2005 in Phoenix I fought a guy from Thailand [Kaichon Sor Vorapin] who knocked me down worse than this and I got up and beat him. Francisco Garcia, a guy from Culiacan, Mexico, hit me the hardest in my career. He was National Champion. I would love to fight Frampton again.”

Hugo’s trainer Eduardo Montiel (brother of former world champion Fernando) was also scathing of the referee’s decision to their evening early. Eduardo reckons that Victor Loughlin should’ve looked into his fighter’s eyes, seen that he was well and given him the benefit of the doubt.

“We were worried when he went down but we also know that he has come out of problems like that before,” said Montiel. “It was about surviving that round and using his experience in order to win.”

The team were asked what they thought of Frampton as a fighter and whether he can reach his world title potential. Eduardo said that it was very soon in the fight and Hugo was feeling his way around the ring so you cannot measure the situation after just two rounds.

“After that it was our intention to go all the way because we saw that Carl Frampton was faster. We are frustrated by the ending and it has been hard for us to swallow,” added Montiel.

North Belfast Boxing Nostalgia –

26th April 2014

Information and supplied by Irish boxing historian Barry Flynn.

Nostalgia was in the air at the Midland Boxing Club on April 23 when John McNally, Ireland’s first Olympic medallist, returned to the York Road area to meet up with world title prospect Carl Frampton.

McNally won his silver medal at the Helsinki Games in 1952 boxing out of the former White City ABC under the tutelage of the late Sammy Wallace. The White City club amalgamated with the Midland ABC in the 1970s and today the legacy of both clubs is preserved in the Cultra Street gym.

In an event organised by the Belfast Boxing Ring, Tommy Monaghan brought along his brother Rinty’s famous ‘Ring’ belt for the young boxers to admire.

Pictured below: L to R – Billy McKee (Midland coach), Shea McAuley, Tommy Monaghan, Carl Frampton, Eamon McAuley, John McNally and the young Midland ABC boxers.

Tennyson Looking to Write New Script on Devenish Show – 9th May 2014

James Tennyson is looking to put his career back on track when he faces Ian Bailey at the Devenish Complex on May 10. The promoter of this ‘Road to Glory’ show, Mark Dunlop, reckons that his young charge can regain the sort of momentum that led James to the Irish super-featherweight title.

The last time the Poleglass boxer fought in Belfast he was surprisingly halted in two rounds by journeyman Pavels Senkovs on the Frampton-Parodi undercard. Now ‘The Baby-Faced Assassin’ is desperate put on an impressive performance for the legion of fans expected to follow him down to the Finaghy venue.

He has fought once since the Senkovs loss, recording a third-round stoppage win in Hungary recently. Now the 20-year-old has to compete over eight rounds with Englishman Bailey who has been matched relatively hard during his 26 fights.

Tennyson leads an enticing eight-fight card that also features former British featherweight champion Martin Lindsay. The Immaculata man boxes Krzysztof Rogowski over six rounds in a fight designed to brush away the cobwebs of inactivity just in time for a May 21 Commonwealth shot at Leeds’ Josh Warrington.

Former British and Commonwealth title challenger Luke Wilton is expected to get back to winning ways when he faces Bulgaria’s Stefan Slavchev in a six-round flyweight bout.

Middleweight Alfredo Meli continues his ascent to title class when he takes on another Bulgarian, Samet Hyuseinov.

Debutant Paul Hyland Jnr should have too much in his locker for Zoltan Horvath in their lightweight four-rounder.

In the remaining four-round contests James Fryers gets a much needed run-out against east Belfast’s Alec Bazza at lightweight.

After nearly two years out of the ring undefeated light-middleweight Dee Walsh returns to tackle Hungary’s Krisztian Duka.

Young prospect Derek Potter is pitched in against Fivemiletown’s Ben Mulligan at super-featherweight.

Tennyson Proves Too Fresh for Old Bailey at Devenish Show – 10th May 2014

James Tennyson came through the toughest test of his fledgling career with an eight-round points win over Ian Bailey at the Devenish venue. Referee Hugh Russell’s 80-72 total in Tennyson’s favour was accurate but did not fully represent the relentless pressure applied by the visitor.

Tennyson later described the victory as a “confidence booster” that will serve to erase the ghosts of a first defeat suffered last year. James set a red-hot pace for the first four rounds but any fears that he might implode down the stretch were swept aside as he met Bailey in the trenches for the remaining four sessions. Tennyson landed some spiteful uppercuts to ensure Bailey left the ring with his face battered and bruised.

“Bailey’s a tough guy who kept on coming forward even though I rocked him a few times,” said Tennyson. “He’s been in with some big guys so I’m proud of myself and that will move me up the British title rankings.”

Martin Lindsay knocked out Krzysztof Rogowski in the third round of a rust-shedding exercise. Lindsay avoided any injury mishaps despite Rogowski’s propensity to throw in the head and elbows. Martin’s work was always crisper and Hugh Russell stopped the Polish boxer at 0-58 of the third, following some increased punishment. Lindsay will now turn his attention to Commonwealth champion Josh Warrington on May 21. The British title could also be on the line if holder Lee Selby vacates as expected.

“I watched Warrington’s fight with Rendall Munroe and he boxes a bit like me with the high guard. He puts his shots together well but I’ll have more experience and I do a few things that will cause him problems,” said Lindsay.

Luke Wilton struggled to find the target cleanly against flighty Bulgarian Stefan Slavchev, eventually seeing off his man 60-53. Referee John Lowey deducted two points from Slavchev for persistent holding.

Talented light-middleweight Dee Walsh made an explosive ring return with a first-round dismissal of Krisztian Duka. Hungarian Duka was dropped three times with right hands and Hugh Russell ended his evening at 1-56 of the opener.

Middleweight Alfredo Meli had too much in his locker for Samet Hyuseinov, defeating the Bulgarian 40-36 by John Lowey’s reckoning.

Derek Potter enjoyed a debut victory over Ben Mulligan. Hugh Russell awarded ‘Del Boy’ a 40-37 success following four rounds of honest endeavour.

Paul Hyland Jnr’s impressive debut performance against Hungary’s Zoltan Horvath was validated by a 40-36 shutout on John Lowey’s card.

Mr Lowey also awarded James Fryers a 40-34 victory over Alec Bazza. Fryers dropped Bazza with a big right hand in the first round and again in the third with a left hook.

Tennyson Eyes Rankings Boost After Bailey Win – 12th May 2014

Poleglass boxer James Tennyson won his 10th professional contest on Saturday, May 10 at the Devenish venue. The reigning Irish super-featherweight champion outlasted tough Englishman Ian Bailey 80-72 on referee Hugh Russell’s scorecard.

“It was a good test for me because Ian Bailey is a tough guy,” said Tennyson. “I rocked him a few times and he still just kept on coming forward. I landed some lovely shots and wobbled him but he took them well. I wasn’t trying to stop Bailey I was just keeping on the jab and landing a few hooks and uppercuts.”

Headlining Mark Dunlop’s ‘Road to Glory’ promotion James was fighting to atone for a shock loss in the Odyssey Arena last October. Having enjoyed a confidence-boosting win in Hungary recently this was the youngster’s first fight on home soil since the defeat.

“He’s been in with some big guys so I’m proud of myself and it’s a great boost to my confidence. I knew he was going to be coming forward so I just set the pace. I’m not sure when my next fight is but that win has moved me up a good bit in the British rankings,” added Tennyson.

Cyclone Talent Ready to Shine on ‘Waterfront Brawl’ Show – 13th May 2014

Cyclone Promotions will give their young stable a chance to shine on Friday, June 20 in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall. CEO Barry McGuigan has agreed a multi-fight deal with the venue which was last used for boxing some 14 years ago. Eamonn Magee and Shea Neary raised the roof on that occasion, headlining an 11-fight show that featured the likes of Brian Magee, Jim Rock, Scott Harrison, Peter Culshaw and Adrian Stone. Now McGuigan’s latest crop will go it alone without stable stand-out Carl Frampton. Marc McCullough is set to headline the bill with Jamie Conlan and Conrad Cummings also confirmed.

“I think that McCullough and Conlan can go all the way. They are both in lively weight divisions and so is Conrad Cummings who can break through into the UK top 10 by the end of the year,” said McGuigan.

Barry insists that McCullough’s opponent on the night, Martin Parlagi, is a dangerman and says that the Czech boxer is convinced that he can beat McCullough. After winning the Czech lightweight title Martin moved back down to the featherweight so is expected to be strong at the weight. Despite this, Cyclone are banking on their man coming through with flying colours and setting up a potential clash with fellow Belfast fighter Martin Lindsay at some point down the line.

“Other than Lee Selby I’d put Marc McCullough in with anybody at the moment,” continued McGuigan. “We’ve already offered the last fight to Josh Warrington and he didn’t want it because he said he had another fight coming up. Martin Lindsay is another big potential fight down the line for Marc.”

Isaac Dogboe will be on the Waterfront undercard as well as a further three fights with names to be announced in due course. Barry stated that he has made a commitment to the boxers which will result in regular shows designed to make them into champions. He has been pressuring the British Boxing Board of Control into finally giving super-flyweight talent Jamie Conlan an overdue crack at domestic glory.

“We have been beleaguering the BBBofC, asking what’s happening with Paul Butler and the Commonwealth title. We think the Board should make the titles vacant and available,” affirmed McGuigan.

Lindsay Views Warrington Shot As a Pathway Back to the Big Time – 16th May 2014

Former British featherweight champion Martin Lindsay is ready to force his way back in to the domestic mix on May 21 when he challenges for Josh Warrington’s Commonwealth title. If, as expected, current British champion Lee Selby (who beat Lindsay last February) drops the belt then it will be on the line next Wednesday when the pair clash. Lindsay sharpened up for the Warrington bout with a third-round knockout of Krysztof Rogowski on Saturday, May 10 in the Devenish. Lindsay’s main objectives were to shed rust and avoid any injuries that might put the big fight in jeopardy.

“That’s why when we were in the clinches I wasn’t really working because I didn’t want to get hit with the head so I just held and got out to middle range,” said Lindsay.

“In the last minute of the second round I knew that I was going to get him because the shots were working a treat and I was just biding my time. I usually would’ve exchanged on the inside but I had to take no risks, hold on and be sure there no cuts or bad black eyes. It was a good couple of rounds and he came out swinging, he came to win.”

Martin has been training hard and getting some quality sparring in preparation for the title bout and was even sparring on the Monday and Tuesday leading up to his tune-up with Rogowski.

“I had to keep sparring or I’d lose the sharpness for the 12 rounds,” he explained. “I’ve only had four weeks’ notice for the fight and I need to get fit. I’ve been in with Fredo (Alfredo Meli) and James Fryers so the spars are harder than the fights sometimes.”

Lindsay is not known for being an abrasive trash-talker in the lead-up to bouts and he admitted that he respects the threat posed by Warrington. While the Leeds man may not be the biggest puncher in the world he does set a fast pace and Martin will need every inch of his renowned fitness and conditioning to be in place if he is to withstand the onslaught.

“I watched Warrington’s fight against Rendall Munroe and he reminds me a bit of myself at a younger age. He’s got a high guard and he puts his shots together well. It should be an interesting fight and I have more experience than him and do a few things that cause him problems. I’m hoping that they will put the British title on the line as well.”

Fryers Wins Again and Reveals Truth Behind Campbell Scrap – 18th May 2014

Fresh from his fourth professional victory Belfast lightweight James Fryers lifted the lid on a possible fight with Olympic star Luke Campbell. Fryers was mooted to be fighting the Hull boxer but it never came to fruition. Speaking to members of the press shortly after a four-round points win over Alec Bazza, Fryers lifted the lid on his side of the story.

“I think it was on the first Froch-Groves bill that I got offered a fight against Luke Campbell. Even though I was inactive I jumped on it because a win there would get me back into the mix,” enthused Fryers.

“Unfortunately something happened and it was called off. It came back on again and they were looking an eight-rounder, instead of a four, so they were doubling up the rounds. There was no point in me taking the risk and jumping up to eight rounds because I’m still a young fighter. At the time I was thinking that win, lose or draw it would still be a good fight for me but now I don’t think there’s any point in getting the loss on my record.

Under the terms of Campbell’s management team James was required to drop from 66 kilos to 60 kilos in four days. Given the fact that he would be boxing on away soil with the odds stacked against him, the team sat down and decided that it was too much of a gamble and said no. Meanwhile, Fryers’ opponent at the Devenish venue, Alec Bazza, is a tough nut who survived two heavy knockdowns to hear the final bell. In March, 21-year-old ‘Fryersy’ went in against Michael Mooney, an exercise that helped to shed any remaining ring rust.

“Mooney was a tough guy, like Alec, but a bit scrappier. I’ve been getting hard sparring with Martin Lindsay and James Tennyson so that has also helped get the rust out of me. I’d seen Alec fight before and I knew that he was a very tough and durable guy for the whole fight. In the first round I touched for a lucky right hand but I almost got caught up with the crowd and went looking to finish it.”

The plan wasn’t to get a knockout but to use his superior skills and coast away from danger, tucking a valuable four rounds under his belt.

“I want to grow confidence in my boxing. It’s easy to touch that finishing punch but giving someone a boxing lesson is about class. Fair play to Alec, he took a few heavy shots in there and he got up and fought on,” said Fryers.

Marc McCullough Ready to Finally Get Hold of WBO European Title Belt – 18th May 2014

Belfast featherweight Marc McCullough is ready to put aside the disappointment of having his April 4 title fight fall through when he meets Martin Parlagi on June 20. Marc is heading the ‘Waterfront Brawl’ show and hopes to finally get the WBO European featherweight belt around his waist at the expense of his undefeated opponent.

“I was devastated with my last fight and I got straight back into training and sparring a wee fella who was fighting in the Devenish last week,” explained McCullough.

“Watching Jamie (Conlan) come in to the changing room with a belt is what I wanted [to also have a WBO belt around the waist]. This is a great opportunity for me, in a great venue, with a good opponent so hopefully I can win it. He’s very strong with eight knockouts in 14 fights but there’s only one round on YouTube that I’ve seen so I just looked at his record. He’s a guy who wants to fight and that will help me to sell the tickets.”

Promoter Barry McGuigan says that his young fighter is happy to accept risky fights which makes matchmaking a whole lot easier. The former world champion views Parlagi as a tough test but knows that Marc has the ability to pull through.

“Marc’s last three fights have been stoppages and he is maturing. Parlagi doesn’t have anyone like Willie Casey on his record and the biggest killer for a professional fighter is inactivity. We think Lee Selby will go on and fight for a world title and he may not win it but in a couple of fights I’d be happy to put Marc on with Selby,” said McGuigan.

“McCullough is a world-class fighter and with regular opportunities we will keep going and give people value for money on exciting shows. Both of these kids (McCullough and Jamie Conlan) sell a load of tickets and they can carry kids along on their shirt tails. Conrad Cummings, for example, has a huge fan base in Mid Ulster and Coalisland. People will latch on to young fighters and travel with them, living the life and going on the journey with them to the top. We know that Belfast is a massive fight city.”

Building Towards Titles Is the Focus for Immaculata Star Meli – 20th May 2014

Alfredo Meli has done everything asked of him so far as a professional prizefighter. Six wins out of six, two knockouts and a growing fan base all prove that the Immaculata star is ticking each box as he moves forward.

“I’m out on June 6 and we are hoping for June 14 too,” buzzed Meli after the bout.

“Hopefully I can keep the victories coming and get moving up those rankings. All of my team were happy with another win under the belt and I’m 6-0 now so I just need to keep going and get seven and eight in before the summer and then back on to some hard training. He was a tough operator and getting another win is the most important thing.”

Opponent on the night, Samet Hyuseinov, may not have offered much in an offensive capacity but the heavily-tattooed Bulgarian took his lumps for four rounds without complaint. Alfredo appears to be stepping down on his punches and maturing nicely in to an all-round boxer capable of fighting for titles in the near future.

“I’ve always been aggressive in all of my fights, that’s my style,” he insisted. “He (Hyuseinov) wasn’t physically that strong but he must have been tough enough because he took some shots and dished a few out so it was a good, even scrap. It’s all about taking it fight-by-fight, win-by-win but hopefully we can go for titles before the end of the year and upgrade the record.”

Meli will indeed fight on that June 6 Holiday Inn show against tough journeyman Dan Blackwell.

Title Success Leaves Super-Flyweight Conlan Hungry for More – 22nd May 2014

Belfast boxer Jamie Conlan has admitted that winning the WBO European super-flyweight belt has increased his motivation and made him eager for more title success. After stopping Belgium’s Benjamin Smoes in seven rounds in his last contest Jamie has been letting the cut heal that he sustained midway through that bout. The 27-year-old was suitably fixed-up in time to start sparring again as he prepares for the highly anticipated ‘Waterfront Brawl’ show on Friday, June 20.

“It’s a different feeling coming in with a belt, it makes me hungry for more. We’ve got a great date and venue and I feel great. This is why we signed with Barry because we wanted regular fights. We knew after the cut that it wouldn’t be ready to fight in May so June 20 was a perfect date,” said Conlan.

Jamie could soon be in line for an overdue crack at the British or Commonwealth titles at his weight. Hopefully the holder of both belts, Paul Butler, who is moving up in weight to fight Stuart Hall for the IBF bantamweight title on June 7, will drop the straps and let the next available contenders duke it out for domestic honours. With the likes of Louis Norman and Anthony Nelson on Cyclone Promotion’s radar it is hoped that a suitable dance partner can be found for Conlan.

“Kal Yafai is a talented kid but I believe Conlan can beat him and he can beat all of these guys,” buzzed Cyclone supremo Barry McGuigan.

“We are holding back a little bit because we have a few things up our sleeve. We want to get our fighters home advantage in this fight city and four months in between shows is enough. We also want to go America and take the lads out with us to fight if we can make it happen.”

First Step Towards Middleweight Top 10 for Conrad Cummings – 23rd May 2014

Conrad Cummings enjoyed a taste of the big fight atmosphere on the Frampton-Cazares undercard in April and now the Tyrone puncher wants more. Speaking at the Europa Hotel press conference to announce the ‘Waterfront Brawl’ card on June 20 Conrad explained his future plans that include breaking into the UK top 10 at middleweight by the end of 2014.

“I’m ecstatic to be on this card and can’t wait to get out again,” confirmed Conrad. “I got a taste of the home crowd, so to speak, in Belfast and it blew my mind. I’m training really hard over in London and pushing myself towards the 20th.”

Promoter Barry McGuigan has his eye on the likes of Anthony Fitzgerald, Matthew Macklin and Andy Lee as potential future opponents. Even though those fights are not on the short-term agenda the Cyclone team are pleased with their man’s continuing stylistic progress.

“We’ve got to think about Celtic title fights and Craig McEwan is a possibility,” said McGuigan “Conrad’s maturing and improving and the stuff he’s doing with Shane is unbelievable. He can box too and he hasn’t even tapped into his ability yet because he wants to take people out.”

Conrad agrees with McGuigan that a place in the UK top 10 is a realistic goal given that Barry has witnessed him sparring with the best guys in England and Ireland.

“I’ve been sparring with Andy Lee, who’s fighting an eliminator for the WBC light-middleweight title. That’s been going well and I want to keep my head down and push on,” added Cummings.

Duka Falls Early As Rampant ‘Waldo’ Returns with a Bang – 24th May 2014

Belfast banger Dee Walsh has discovered a new enthusiasm for boxing. Any doubts over his commitment to the sport, following a lengthy layoff, were dispelled in double-quick time as the 24-year-old bombed out fellow unbeaten Krisztian Duka in the Devenish on May 10. Dee has signed up with Mark Dunlop and believes that he is now on the road to fulfilling his vast potential.

“I’m glad that Mark convinced me to come back and I’m happy to give the crowd a knockout,” buzzed Walsh, who revealed that he would be back in the gym on Monday morning in preparation for a June 14 appearance.

“I’ve fought a lot of people before that were a lot heavier than me but now that I’m down in weight it shows the power I have. Whoever said I couldn’t punch can see that I was able to throw and land that big right hand. I’ve got more confidence in my power now and you’ll see more of that. I want to be busy and get out in June again.”

That appearance will be on Belfast promotions’ next installment of the popular Holiday Inn shows. If Walsh can keep busy and fights the right level of opposition then there’s no reason why he cannot force his way into the British title picture at the very least. Especially now that ‘Wealthy’ has added incentives outside of the ring to occupy his attention.

“My main reason for coming back was for my son who just turned one last month and even today when I was sitting nervously I thought that I’m not going to lose because of him. I want him to have a dad that he can look up to. I always say that if I do what I do then it doesn’t matter what they do because they won’t land punches,” said Walsh.

Tommy McCarthy Opens Pro Account with Third-Tound Knockout Win – 24th May 2014

Belfast cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy got his professional debut off to a winning start with a third-round stoppage of Rolandas Cesna at the Dewsbury Leisure Centre on Saturday, May 24.  Big things are expected of McCarthy who is managed by Pat Magee and trained by Patsy McAllister and Bernardo Checa.

Cesna was on an eight-fight losing streak and offered little offensive ambition, opting to cover up and try to quell McCarthy’s increasingly hostile assaults. Stepping up the pressure at the end of the second round Tommy was landing straight hands to the head and plenty of body shots. Following more pressure the referee shuffled in between the fighters midway through the third session and ended the heavily-tattooed Lithuanian’s evening.

Horvath Victory Kicks Off Hyland Adventure for New Pro Paul – 29th May 2014

Paul Hyland Jnr had a tough debut opponent to contend with in the form of Zoltan Horvath on May 10 but the quality lightweight passed his test with flying colours. Not only did Hyland dominate his veteran foe but at times it looked like he might stop the tough Hungarian. That would’ve been quite a feat given that Horvath has only been halted once in 26 contests and that was via a cut.

“He made it scrappy for me and I was just trying to box. I got on top of him in the end. It was frustrating with his holding and coming in with the head and he is a tough journeyman,” said Hyland.

“I was trying to catch him but I was hitting him on top of the head because he was smaller. I was pleased with my boxing and if he hadn’t got so close then I’d have put him away. Hopefully I’ll be out again on June 28.”

The proposed June 28 card has since been postponed, due a glut of shows in Belfast throughout June. That will likely now take place in September and Hyland will be a cert for the bill. Not that he will have to wait long for a chance to flex his muscles again as a fight with Joe Beeden has been organised for Alio Wilton’s June 6 card. That will give the 23-year-old an opportunity to bring his hefty group of supporters along to a Holiday Inn fight night.

“I’d like to thank everyone who bought tickets and helped me on to the victory,” said Hyland.

Paul was amused to hear MC Harry McGavock announce him into the ring as being a WSB (World Series of Boxing) champion, given that he has never taken part in the tournament. However, he did enjoy a recent victory over a former participant.

“I’ve never boxed in the WSB but in my last amateur bout I boxed the Spanish champion who had won in the WSB and got a good win over him.”

Heavyweight Rogan Motivated for Super 8 Glory in New Zealand – 2nd June 2014

Belfast heavyweight Martin Rogan is aiming for a career swansong when he takes part in Wednesday’s Super 8 tournament in Auckland, New Zealand. The innovative competition offers a generous prize pool that sees the winner on the night walk away with a cheque for over £100,000. That sort of reward was enough to tempt Rogan across the globe for one last crack at the big time. The 43-year-old meets fellow veteran Michael Sprott in the quarter final and with both men having won the UK Prizefighter in the past they will know what is required to prevail.

“The money is good, but if I go down there and win it I will be back in the mix,” said ‘Rogie’.

“I’ve done it before and I’m going to do it again, this time in a more spectacular fashion.”

Rogan has vowed to ditch the back foot boxing approach that he has unsuccessfully employed in recent outings and instead revert back to the high intensity pressure-fighting that served him so well at his peak. Ticking over at a local boxing club in the Christchurch region, Rogan has been shaping up with trainer Gerard McManus and promises to be in top condition come fight night.

“Unlike a couple of my last fights, I have had several months to prepare and have been training really hard and feel in the best condition I have in ages,” he said.

Martin will be joined in the elimination tournament by former world champion Hasim Rahman, ex-world title challenger Kali Meehan and fringe contender Alonzo Butler, while three untested New Zealand boxers make up the eight.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and I am determined to take it,” added Rogan.

Middleweight Meli Has Titles on His Mind –

3rd June 2014

Belfast middleweight Alfredo Meli reckons that he can break into title contention by the end of the year. The undefeated Immaculata boxer faces Dan Blackwell on Friday night as part of Alan Wilton’s latest Holiday Inn show. This will be Meli’s fourth appearance at the Ormeau Road venue, against an opponent who has lasted the distance with Callum Smith and Anthony Ogogo during a 38-fight career.

“He’s a tough, durable guy who has only been stopped once. He always gives a good account of himself,” said Meli.

“I’ve been sparring with Eamonn O’Kane and a bit with Martin Lindsay before his last fight so I’ll be well prepared for Blackwell.”

Alfredo is keeping tabs on his domestic middleweight rivals. The 23-year-old believes that he is not too far away from tackling the likes of Anthony Fitzgerald or Dublin’s unbeaten Luke Keeler who also boxes on this week’s card.

“I’m going into my seventh fight so I’d like to think I’m at that level and those type of fights will be in the next few steps but I’ll leave that to my promoter. Keeler is fighting on this show against (Festim) Lama who I fought last time at the Holiday Inn so it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

“My father and ‘Nugget’ Nugent have been putting me through a hard training camp as usual so I’ll be ready. I’d like to be fighting for titles by the end of the year,” he added.

Another fighter preparing for Friday night is Paul Hyland Jnr who makes his second professional outing. The Gleann prospect has been busy sparring Eamonn Magee Jnr and James Tennyson and plans on making a quick ascent into title class.

“My debut opponent was a tough handful but I outboxed him. It’s early days but I’m looking at winning Irish titles and beating good guys to move me quickly up the rankings,” said Hyland Jnr.

Further down the card Eamonn Magee Jnr and Ciaran Bates both make their respective debuts at light-welterweight. Ballyclare’s Willie Thompson returns to action and Ugandan heavyweight Kenneth Odeke tackles Moses Matovu.

Unlucky Rogan Bows Out Early But Shows He Can Still Compete – 4th June 2014

Martin Rogan was unable to roll back the years in New Zealand when the Belfast slugger bowed out of the Super 8 heavyweight tournament. Rogan was eliminated in the quarter-final stages at the fists of experienced Michael Sprott. Following a crunching knockout loss to Erkan Teper in Germany recently 43-year-old Martin was battling to save his career in a competition that was similar in format to the Prizefighter he won in 2008.

Despite the Teper setback -that left him with a badly broken jaw- Rogan showed no ill effects and met Sprott head-on in round one, determined to rough-up the veteran Englishman. Michael won the opener but Rogan stormed back with some solid inside work in the second. He landed hooks to head and body that hurt Sprott and left it all down to the final session. Referee Reg Williams toiled hard to keep the big men apart and with both men visibly tiring it seemed that Rogan might have done enough to sneak the decision. It was all down to the judges after nine minutes of honest endeavour and they returned scores of 29-29 and 29-28 (twice) to move Sprott on to the semi-final and send an unlucky ‘Rogie’ back home.

Despite his advancing years Rogan showed his trademark grit and determination, as well as impressive stamina, to leave the local fight fans wanting more. Martin’s appearances on local television have endeared him to the New Zealand fight fraternity who caught a glimpse of the larger-than-life character that lit up the Northern Irish boxing scene just a few years’ ago.

Sprott went on to lose in the final by way of a crunching first-round knockout at the hands of ex-world title challenger Kali Meehan. Earlier in the tournament the career of former world champion Hasim Rahman fell further into ignominy when he lost to novice Anthony Nansen. Prospect Alonzo Butler also exited meekly with the overall standard failing to match the Rogan-Sprott battle. Former Commonwealth champion Rogan walked away with a cheque for $7,500 and may have offered enough to convince him to carry on boxing.

It’s All About Titles Not Venues for Ex-Champ McGuigan – 5th June 2014

Barry McGuigan knows a thing or two about winning a world title in an outdoor setting. The Cyclone Promotions CEO claimed the WBA featherweight crown in front of a raucous Loftus Road crowd in 1985 and Barry is now in position to present Carl Frampton with the same opportunity. McGuigan and his team are planning a world title event in September that will see boxing in Northern Ireland presented on an unprecedented scale.

“The Belfast public doesn’t get enough big fights, so this is an incredible opportunity,” said McGuigan.

“We had numerous different people saying they were going to get the fight and that we didn’t have the gravitas or the ability to have a fight like this, but we did it.”

World champion Kiko Martinez has disregarded last year’s loss to Frampton as an “off night”. Barry insists, however, that the first fight has no bearing on the rematch and they are leaving nothing to chance.

“I thought after six rounds it was quite even or Carl might have been a round or two up. Then we saw what happened afterwards, but we don’t look in to the past, we look in to the future and what’s coming next. Kiko’s a great fighter and he has proven since the defeat to Carl that he can go and win a world title and defend it.

“I think Martinez has improved, but Frampton has improved leaps and bounds. This is a fabulous fight and might even be better than the last one, but there will only be one winner. I think this kid can be a superstar and September 6 is the start of it. After that we are into mega-fights.”

The purse Kiko will be receiving for defending his world title has been described by McGuigan as, “a staggering amount of money” but it is a price worth paying to secure home advantage. Carl was originally expecting to box for a world belt against Leo Santa Cruz. But when talks with his representatives at Golden Boy broke down there was a danger of Frampton’s career stagnating. Chief negotiator Jake McGuigan stepped in and set about finalising a deal with IBF ruler Martinez instead.

“I think Santa Cruz is a great fighter and before the Cazares fight he was talking non-stop about fighting Frampton and then he wasn’t interested,” said Barry.

“We’ve got the big show coming here anyway and that’s the main thing. The team are looking at a number of venues and we’ll have it finalised in a couple of weeks.”

Barry is also keeping a close eye on the American market and envisages future mega-fights taking place on the Las Vegas strip. Influential U.S. TV network HBO plan on broadcasting the September main event and Cyclone will be busy getting their young prospects some further exposure on the undercard.

“We are going to put on a stellar undercard and give as many of the Irish fighters a chance to shine and show their potential. The crowd is going to benefit from a great night of boxing.”

Putting that aside, there is no doubt who the star attraction will be when Carl Frampton seeks to announce himself on to the world stage.

“I just think Frampton is an exceptional fighter and he will win in emphatic style,” concluded McGuigan.

‘The Big One!’ Frampton Fights Kiko in September World Title Scrap – 5th June 2014

Carl Frampton is all set to realise his world title dream when the undefeated star tackles IBF super-bantamweight champion Kiko Martinez in a highly-anticipated September 6 rematch. Even though the venue has yet to be revealed it is certain that Belfast will be rocking once more as the hometown hero aims for a repeat of his sensational ninth-round knockout win over Kiko last February.

“I’m so excited at this big fight and big opportunity, to win a world title against somebody I’ve already beaten,” said Frampton. “I’m not taking Kiko lightly and I'm not saying it’s going to be an easy fight. I think it will be tough but I'm an improved fighter and I think the result will be the same.”

Carl admits that along with the huge opportunity to claim the IBF belt comes a pressure of expectation. Just because the fight is in Belfast and against an opponent he has already defeated it is not a forgone conclusion. Especially whenever the defending champion arrives with 23 knockouts on his ledger.

“Sometimes people are expecting me to win a world title, they think it’s automatically going to happen but it’s not that simple. Even though I know I can win the world title it doesn’t mean that I’m going to train any less. There is an expectation on me but they know their boxing up here and all over Ireland they know a good boxer when they see one. I don’t want to let myself down or the people who’ve been saying big things about me down either.”

After Carl knocked out Mexico’s Hugo Cazares in an April 4 WBC eliminator it appeared that he would be mixing with reigning champion Leo Santa Cruz. Despite some positive noises from Santa Cruz and his trainer it soon became clear that his promotional team at Golden Boy held little interest in the Frampton fight. Barry McGuigan and co quickly turned their attention back to 28-year-old Martinez and contacted his advisor Sampson Lewkowicz. Both parties reached an agreement and Martinez immediately made it clear that he was relishing a return to Belfast.

“You have to give Kiko credit because he’s coming over here,” continued Carl. “Santa Cruz seemed as keen as mustard before the Cazares fight and then after that it was a just radio silence from him and Golden Boy. They didn’t want to know and I don’t want to be waiting around. I am now fighting for a legitimate world title. Once that’s done and you’re the champion, in the driving seat, you can start making a few demands yourself. I just wanted any world title.”

One place Carl won’t be lacking on fight night is in the fitness department. He enters training camps in good condition and is not the type of fighter to indulge in between bouts. Trainer Shane McGuigan has been taking his charge on the pads and expressed surprise at the shape the 27-year-old is in already. He will need every ounce of fitness required to repel the assaults of Kiko Martinez.

“There were mistakes I made in the first fight and things I did wrong and I’ll watch the footage from that fight to see exactly what. Even though Kiko has improved he will still box in the same style; he’ll come forward and be aggressive. Potentially he could be hesitant to meet me head on and in our last fight he was super-aggressive and relentless. In the fights he’s won recently against Mathebula and [Hasegawa] he’s been coming forward but not as ferociously as when he fought me so maybe there are doubts in his mind. Whatever happens and whatever he brings I’ll be ready for it.

“Kiko will be coming here to win. He is looking for redemption because he got embarrassed last time with all his talk before the fight – what he was going to do to me and that I couldn’t knock his nephew out. I out-boxed him, out-fought him and then knocked him out. It’s going to be a tough fight but I’m expecting the same result.”

According to Barry McGuigan several venues are being looked at, with the King’s Hall Complex and Ravenhill believed to be under consideration. Other outdoor options such as the Maze or Stormont could also fit the criteria with a 15-20,000 capacity needed in order to satisfy the huge demand this show will generate.

Even though a large outdoor boxing event has not been staged in Northern Ireland for many years, it is not unheard of. Windsor Park and Brandywell have previously been used and the last outdoor show in the North was at The Oval in 1958. Fittingly, Seaview, home of Frampton’s beloved Crusaders, held an outdoor bill featuring Jim ‘Spider’ Kelly in 1936.

If Carl is searching for a lucky omen on fight night then he should look no further than his good friend, and regular fight attendee, David Healy. On September 6, 2006 Healy scored an unforgettable hat-trick as Northern Ireland defeated the mighty Spain 3-2. Frampton will now aim to knock down his own Spanish giant eight years’ later.

Big Fight Recap: The First Time Frampton Fought Kiko Martinez – 5th June 2014

When Carl Frampton enters the ring on September 6 he will do so in the knowledge that he has not only fought a reigning world champion but knocked one out. Opponent Kiko Martinez travelled to Belfast on February 9, 2013 to defend his European title in a hostile Odyssey Arena. Carl was riding high off the back of a knockout win over former world champion Steve Molitor while Martinez was still rebuilding his career after defeats to Rendall Munroe and Takalani Ndlovu.

Martinez arrived in Belfast representing a huge test for Frampton, given the Spaniard’s lauded punching power. Back in 2007 ‘La Sensacion’ had stunned Dublin with a first-round blitz of local hero Bernard Dunne.

The Frampton bout was scheduled twice before it happened but Kiko withdrew on each occasion. Therefore, when the fight eventually came around it was dubbed ‘Unfinished Business’ by promoters Matchroom.

‘The Jackal’ took possession of Martinez’s EBU title that night. Following some tentative early rounds the visitor began marching forward attempting to unnerve his young challenger but was met with sharp combinations from Frampton. The champion was arguably enjoying a decent spell in the fight when, in the ninth round, he walked on to a perfectly-timed right hand and Martinez was counted out at 2-46 of the session.

Carl was ahead on all three of the official scorecards at the point of the stoppage with totals of 78-74 (twice) and 77-75. Frampton made a huge statement as this was the first time Kiko had been knocked out as a professional fighter. All of the post-fight talk centred on a possible fight with domestic rival Scott Quigg but Frampton went on to fight Jeremy Parodi. Two fights after the defeat, Martinez received a surprise world title opportunity and won the IBF belt that he now defends on September 6 in Belfast.

Eamonn Magee Jnr Turns Pro on Holiday Inn Show – 6th June 2014

Eamonn Magee Jnr is looking forward to making his professional debut in the Holiday Inn on June 6. Following in the footsteps of his father, who won multiple belts and boxed at world level during a 12-year career, will be no easy feat but the level-headed 21-year-old is just taking it all in his stride.

“Everything’s dead on, I’ve been doing plenty of running and 80 rounds of sparring with Paul Hyland Jnr who’s also on the bill,” said Eamonn.

“I’m wary of this opponent, I heard he’s very scrappy and likes to hold a lot. He could be tough for my first fight but I’m ready.”

Hungarian foe Zoltan Horvath lost a four-round points decision to Hyland Jnr in the Devenish recently. Horvath will provide a solid test for the rookie boxer who trains at Willie Thompson’s Spartans gym in Ballyclare.

“Willie’s a great trainer and he teaches me a lot too. Whenever we spar together he breaks the sparring to give me bits of advice and tells me what to work on.”

Magee Jnr will box under Alan Wilton’s promotional banner and is also hoping to squeeze on to Mark Dunlop’s September show. His aim is four or five appearances before the end of the year. Boxing out of a cagey southpaw stance, Eamonn has always been a fan of the ultimate defensive master Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker.

“I’d planned on winning the Ulster or Irish Seniors and then hopefully going on to the Commonwealth Games but it wasn’t to be. I always had ambitions to turn professional. I’m not sure how far I’ll go but my main goal is to win the British title at lightweight.”

Further down the seven-fight card, Alfredo Meli hopes that a good win over Dan Blackwell will push him towards title fights. Lightweight Paul Hyland Jnr tackles Joe Beeden, middleweight Luke Keeler faces Festim Lama and Ciaran Bates makes his light-welterweight debut against Mihaly Szalontai.

Light-middleweight Willie Thompson fights Liam Griffiths and heavyweight Kenneth Odeke boxes Moses Matovu.

Holiday Inn Report Card: The Future’s Bright As Young Irish Talent Shines – 7th June 2014

Eamonn Magee Jnr got his professional career off to a hugely positive start with a second-round knockout win over Hungarian survivor Zoltan Horvath. Boxing in the Holiday Inn last night on Alan Wilton’s show, he classy southpaw immediately took control of centre ring, throwing the left hand to perfection as veteran Horvath rushed in to initiate clinches. Midway through round two Magee Jnr thumped home a right hook followed by a quality left hand to leave Horvath wobbling around on jelly legs. The visitor commendably rose and tried to engage again after referee Paul McCullagh let him continue. Moments later Magee Jnr landed a barrage of leather prompting Mr McCullagh to wave it off at 1-06 of the second session.

“He tried to roll in with the head early on and I knew I had to keep him at distance. I just timed him at range from then on and landed the left hand which hurt him straight away,” said Magee Jnr.

“I’m out to make my own name in this sport and that was a great start because he doesn’t get stopped easily.”

Ballyclare’s Willie Thompson looked sharp throughout his 40-36 victory over journeyman Liam Griffiths. Thompson worked hard from the opening bell of this light-middleweight encounter, finding a home for the left hook and right uppercut. Southpaw Griffiths resorted to diving in and spoiling to buy precious seconds. Liam absorbed plenty of heavy shots and an extremely low blow in the final session to hear the final bell. Hugh Russell Jnr officiated the contest.

Earlier in the evening Paul Hyland Jnr moved his record to 2-0 with a 40-36 success over Joe Beeden. Paul aimed much of his work to the body in the early stages but looked more effective when he set up attacks behind the jab and timed Beeden’s movement. With more experience under his belt Hyland Jnr can go places. Referee was Paul McCullagh.

Alfredo Meli defeated Trowbridge survivor Dan Blackwell 60-54 on Hugh Russell Jnr’s reckoning. Belfast middleweight Meli is now 7-0 (2 KOs).

Two African heavyweights opened the show as Kenneth Odeke comfortably outpointed Moses Matovu 40-36 on John Lowey’s scorecard. Odeke worked his left hook well while Moses remained in survival mode throughout, offering only sporadic responses. The bout petered out as both men showboated down the stretch.

Dublin middleweight Luke Keeler halted London-based Albanian Festim Lama in round four of a six-rounder. Lama was dropped in round one and twice in the fourth prompting Paul McCullagh’s stoppage at 1-08. Keeler is now 5-0 (4 KOs).

Dublin’s Ciaran Bates made light work of Hungary’s Mihaly Szalontai at lightweight. John Lowey dived in at 0-46 of the opening round (scheduled for four-threes) as Szalontai shipped heavy combinations to head and body.

Barry McGuigan: ‘Golden Boy Weren’t Interested in Frampton Fight’ – 9th June 2014

When Carl Frampton knocked out Mexico’s Hugo Cazares on April 4 it appeared logical that the Belfast boxer would then fight Leo Santa Cruz for his WBC super-bantamweight crown. After all, the Cazares fight was billed as a WBC eliminator and in previous weeks Santa Cruz and his team had made positive noises regarding a Frampton fight. However, as it transpired, they were planning on taking their man an alternative route and with such indecision in the air Carl was in danger of being left on the shelf for an unhealthy amount of time waiting for his shot. While many top-level fighters make a point of thanking Al Haymon after a fight, Barry McGuigan is one man who won’t be lavishing much praise on the omnipotent power-broker anytime soon.

“We tried endlessly with Golden Boy, Richard Schaefer’s team and Al Haymon but we got the cold shoulder,” lamented McGuigan.

“They made it known that they weren’t interested in the fight and we’d have to sit out and wait for the mandatory. Mauricio Sulaiman [the WBC President] did his best to pull that forward to September but as far as the fight was concerned they didn’t want to do business with us. If you keep banging against the wall then you get nowhere so Jake, who has a very good relationship with [Martinez’s representative] Sampson Lewkovicz, opened discussions and it was pretty seamless. Kiko will next come over and have a face-to-face with Frampton in an event for the general public. Tickets will be on sale then and the venue sorted as well.”

Now Santa Cruz is off doing his own thing and with undisputed number one Guillermo Rigondeaux still struggling to get meaningful bouts the options suddenly became fairly squeezed in the 122lb division. After winning the IBF super-bantamweight title Kiko Martinez has been trotting the globe looking for some hefty paydays and found joy in Japan recently. Could Martinez’s recent fights suggest that he has improved or is it down to the deficiencies of opponents like Hasegawa and Romero?

“They’re not Carl Frampton. He’s a different fighter than those guys and that’s simple because Frampton’s a stellar fighter,” continued Barry.

“The fight is on HBO and they will get to see Carl. It could be delayed but we are chipping away after some political issues as that’s the nature of the business. Negotiations are confidential and there are wars going on right at the top of this game.

“Carl has to have action and a plan to move on to the big fights so hopefully Carl wins and in style and then they [Golden Boy] will have a greater interest in a unification fight. Everyone should be happy at this because we’ve delivered.”

Meli Faces Dee Taggart on June 14 Belfast Bill –

11th June 2014

Unbeaten middleweight Alfredo Meli appears to be have been granted his wish of boxing two weeks in a row. Shortly after posting a six-round shutout of Trowbridge journeyman Dan Blackwell, the 24-year-old (boxing on his birthday no less) made known his desire to box again on Saturday, June 14.

“I’m hoping to get out next week so fingers crossed I can get out then,” said Meli, who will fight Dee Taggart this Saturday if all goes to plan.

“It’s not finalised yet [at the time of the interview] but if it is then happy days and if not then I’ll take a rest. I’ve had more fights recently than at any time.”

Alfredo was complimentary about the resolute nature of June 6 opponent Blackwell who hung in to concede a 60-54 defeat despite taking some heavy blows. It seemed at times that Meli may be able to force the stoppage when Blackwell’s bloodied nose began spewing claret across the ring apron as each heavy shot landed. Dan lives to fight another day and will also be back in Belfast on June 14 when he tackles Dubliner Anthony ‘The Pride’ Fitzgerald. As for Meli, he is clearly improving with each outing and soon expects a title crack to cement his credentials.

“I stuck to the boxing and I was learning more than in previous fights. When you learn you go up in levels too. I’m starting to build up a bit of a fan base now which is what I need to support me. Hopefully a lot more people will come out and watch me next time and I’ll be able to keep the wins coming.

“He (Dan Blackwell) was tough enough and gave me a fight. I worked more on my boxing skills than my fighting skills and that was the plan. The range was good and I wasn’t missing with as much in my fight in the Devenish. This time it was calmer, more movement and looking to get away and back in to tag him,” said Meli.

The Negotiator: Jake McGuigan Discusses Frampton-Martinez II – 11th June 2014

Negotiating the big fights in this sport can often be a fraught process. Whenever IBF super-bantamweight champion Kiko Martinez announced on his Facebook and Twitter profiles a few weeks ago that a rematch with Carl Frampton had been signed, the ears of local fight fans quickly pricked up. On Wednesday of last week in the Europa Hotel, Cyclone CEO Barry McGuigan confirmed the rumours were true. Now Cyclone Promotions team member Jake McGuigan has lifted the lid on the process of negotiation that he had to engage in with Martinez’s team to make the big world title fight a reality.

“The reason why we had to delay (the announcement) after Kiko’s little announcement on Twitter, was that the fight had to be confirmed by the IBF, which it is now,” explained Jake.

“Expect an announcement in the next couple of weeks [regarding the venue] when Martinez will be there himself, possibly the other Martinez (Sergio, no relation) who wants to be here after his fight with Miguel Cotto. Hopefully he will be in Belfast for that huge announcement, but we need that couple of weeks to finalise.”

It seemed for all intents and purposes that Leo Santa Cruz would be the world title holder of choice for Frampton. Indeed, Leo revealed exclusively to the Irish Boxing Review that he would happily fight Carl and travel across the water if necessary. It seems that his team at Golden Boy were pre-occupied with other matters and prefer to take their man a different route.

“As you have heard in the last few days, there has been a lot going on at Golden Boy between (Richard) Schaefer and Oscar De La Hoya,” agreed McGuigan.

“We tried to approach Golden Boy after the Cazares fight as there had been a lot of interest beforehand. We hadn’t got the response we wanted off Santa Cruz himself, saying it wasn’t something they wanted in the near future from Richard Schaefer publically and privately, and also from Al Haymon. That was going to get put until the end of the mandatory period, around the end of April.

“We knew we had to act quickly because they (the IBF) have just had the mandatory won by Chris Avalos at the weekend [in a bout against against Yasutaka Ishimoto] so we needed it made before and then get an exemption because it will fall within the time where Kiko would have to fight his mandatory. Carl will try to fight Santa Cruz after this, or Quigg, but he is going to be in massive fights.”

So even though the Santa Cruz fight is off the agenda for the time being it is still a possibility down the line. For now it’s the threat of Kiko Martinez that occupies the attention of Team Cyclone. Barry McGuigan agrees that their relationship with Kiko’s team was the secret ingredient behind the successful negotiations.

“Because of our contacts with Samson, Maravilla and Gary Shaw, we have got HBO on board and they will either show delayed coverage or even go live early in the afternoon over there,” added Barry.

“We are looking to put South American boxers in against Irish and we will bring South American TV over as well. That means Marc McCullough and Jamie Conlan could be in big fights as long as they come through on June 20 [McGuigan’s show at the Waterfront Hall].”

Carl, naturally, is delighted that he can box for a world title in his home city against an opponent he has already been able to defeat.

“I just want to thank everyone involved for getting this, especially Jake who worked tirelessly on the phone day and night to get it done. It’s up to me to deliver now and bring it back home,” affirmed ‘The Jackal’.

Unbeaten Talent Walsh Wants to Focus on Irish Title Shot – 11th June 2014

Unbeaten Belfast boxer Dee Walsh is hoping that a victory this Saturday night will land him an Irish title shot. Walsh boxes Jozsef Kormany for the International Masters Bronze belt in the Holiday Inn and believes that the bout could push him into a matchup with the likes of Peter McDonagh or Willie Thompson.

“This fight is for an International Masters belt but more importantly an eight-rounder qualifies me for an Irish title shot,” he said.

“I want that chance straight after my next fight. I know Willie Thompson fought for it in 2012 at the Ulster Hall against Lee Murtagh. I’ve sparred Willie before and he’s a good, strong fighter.”

Dee recently switched training camps and has been busy shaping up under the watchful eyes of Paul and Sean McCullagh alongside Gerard McCafferty in the St. John Bosco gym. Sparring sessions with the likes of Joe Hillerby and former opponent Gerard Healy has been useful, with Healy able to turn southpaw to simulate Kormany’s movements.

“There’s footage of Kormany losing a fight in Germany but I haven’t really watched it. I’ll leave that to Gerard and Paul to figure out. I just wait and see what the opponent brings on the night and adapt to his style, working off what he does. This guy likes to come forward so that will suit me.

“I’m well prepared for an eight-rounder. I’ve sparred eight rounds a couple of times to get mentally ready for the distance and sparring with no breaks in between rounds so fitness won’t be a problem.”

The 24-year-old light-middleweight returned with a first-round knockout win over Krisztian Duka in the Devenish last month and is clearly enthused with the fight game once more following a 20-month break.

“I’ve had a great build-up with no injuries and I’m nearly on the weight. I’ll have a good number of fans in there as well to help me over the line,” said Walsh.

The rest of the card includes Mark Morris, Casey Blair and Alfredo Meli versus Omagh’s Dee Taggart. Anthony Fitzgerald, Sean Turner and Declan Geraghty also feature.

Flighty Lama Unable to Run from KO king Keeler – 12th June 2014

Middleweight puncher Luke Keeler posted the most impressive performance of his career to date last Saturday and now the 27-year-old is ready to push on towards domestic glory. Keeler dropped the usually durable Festim Lama, an Albanian based in London, on three separate occasions to secure an early night at the Holiday Inn.

“It was good but I just rushed it too much at the start and I was a bit over anxious. Once I slowed it down and landed my shots I got him out of there,” said a delighted Keeler after the fight.

“I should’ve been a bit calmer from the first round as that’s the way I usually am when I spar but the emotions got to me and he was tough as well. Once I slowed down and connected, it worked out for me. It's all a learning experience.”

Dropping his man in the first round was a welcome boost for the young Dubliner who looked better when working behind the jab and letting his punches flow naturally. Once Lama fell in the fourth from the first right uppercut, the writing was on the wall. Moments later a carbon copy landed and referee Paul McCullagh had little option but to terminate Festim’s evening.

“He fell into the right uppercut and he maybe could have gone the distance tonight but I just got that shot in at the right time. I dropped him in the first as well but it was at the end of the round.”

With fellow unbeaten prospect Alfredo Meli also fighting on the card it is easy to draw comparisons between the pair and speculate over a potential future showdown. Meli has also fought Lama in the Holiday Inn and scored his own win [over survivor Dan Blackwell] while headlining this June 6 show. The amiable Keeler is open to discussion but isn’t the type of character to be shouting down his domestic rivals.

“I just take each fight as it comes, I don’t like to call anyone out but if the fight is there then I’ll take it. We’re both prospects and it there’s a title on the line then it probably makes sense. The Irish title would be nice but not at the moment. There’s supposed to be a show in Dublin at the end of July and I’m going to box for a Celtic Nations title. Then maybe one more eight-rounder and I’ll be in for the Irish title.”

With regular trainer Paschal Collins handling Gary O’Sullivan’s bout in America it was left to the rest of the Celtic Warrior gym to control Luke’s corner on the night.

“I’m still with Paschal but he’s in Boston at the moment with Spike. He was on the phone and I got great support from the club with Pat Byrne, Mark Kennedy and Dave McGuire. There was great support coming up from Dublin as well. Tickets and travelling is expensive so it goes a long way and that’s the only way you can fight up here is if you sell the tickets so thanks to everyone.”

Talented Magee Jnr Will Let His Fists Do the Talking – 12th June 2014

Watching Eamonn Magee Jnr move inside and ruthlessly dispatch a usually durable opponent in explosive fashion was, to say the least, impressive. Almost inevitably, comparisons with his multi-talented father followed the Holiday Inn debut victory on June 6. Stepping off at angles and unleashing spitefully accurate combinations from a languid southpaw stance was something that Magee Snr was so adept at throughout his 12-year career. Magee Jnr, however, is not concerning himself with such talk. The 21-year-old is instead keen to ensure that people remember his punches rather than just his name.

“I’m out to prove myself and make a name for myself,” he affirmed, just moments after dismissing Hungary’s Zoltan Horvath in two rounds.

“The first minute was the nerves of my debut but once I got on to my jab it was fine. Willie [Thompson, trainer] was saying in the corner to jab, jab and straight left hand; I couldn’t miss him with that. I saw his legs buckle and I went for the finish. I thought the referee had actually called it off the first time but I could see in his eyes that I had him hurt so I went in for the kill.”

38-year-old Horvath is the type of veteran that knows how to last the distance. His come-forward, no-nonsense approach had been in full display at the Devenish venue on May 10 when the visitor boxed another debutant, Paul Hyland Jnr. Magee was in no mood to let his man adopt those same spoiling tactics and subsequently set about punishing him whenever a clinch seemed imminent.

“In the first minute he rolled in with his head and clipped me on the nose and that made me wary. I just enjoyed it, I felt sharp and my reactions were quick enough. I was up sparring Paul Hyland who fought him last time and he told me he was a nightmare. I had it in the back of my mind that he was going to come and spoil the fight and make it a rough night for my debut. But after I hurt him I wasn’t going to let him go.”

Now that his maiden victory is in the record books Eamonn wants more of the same. With a few more displays of this nature it shouldn't be too difficult to grab a space on future small hall shows - regardless of his surname.

“I’m not too sure when I’m out next but there might be a show in Dublin next month that I could get on to. If not then I’ve been speaking to Mark Dunlop and he said he’ll definitely get me out in September,” concluded Magee Jnr.

Walsh Back with a Bang as Kormany Falls Early – 15th June 2014

Big punching light-middleweight Dee Walsh reminded fans at the Holiday Inn why he is one of Belfast’s brightest prospects with a one-round blitz of Jozsef Kormany. ‘Wealthy’ Walsh (10st 13lbs 9oz) wasted little time in assaulting Kormany’s ribs and a rapid-fire combination to the body dropped the visitor heavily. Kormany (10st 12lbs 7oz) tried to respond but was unable to continue and referee Hugh Russell Jnr counted him out at just 0-21 of the opening session in a bout scheduled for eight.

Walsh is feeling reinvigorated with the sport after returning to the ring in early May following a near two-year absence. The 24-year-old, who is handled by Belfast manager Mark Dunlop, collected the International Masters Bronze title for his troubles. More importantly Dee, 7-0 (3 KOs), is now hunting down the likes of Willie Thompson and Peter McDonagh for an Irish title clash.

“I have to thank Mark for keeping me busy and getting this eight-rounder for a title,” said Walsh.

“The Irish title is still my target and I want to fight whoever is the champion. I’m not calling out (Peter) McDonagh but I want that fight on the Frampton undercard in September. I couldn’t be happier with life at the moment - I want to make my son proud.”

Anthony Fitzgerald received a solid workout from Trowbridge hardman Dan Blackwell in their six-rounder. Dubliner Fitzgerald (11st 11lbs) took the bout 59-56 on Paul McCullagh’s scorecard but Blackwell (11st 7lbs) more than played his part in helping ‘The Pride’ shed any ring rust. Fitzgerald was keen to engage in the early stages but Blackwell was always dangerous with looping left hooks. As the bout progressed Anthony found his double jab and movement to keep the contest at range, under the instructions of cornerman Seamus Macklin. Fitzgerald has been training out in Marbella with the MGM team and displayed the benefits of this new regime while improving his ledger to 15-6 (4 KOs).

“I’m very happy because I stuck to my boxing rather than going in for a fight,” said Fitzgerald who is aiming for a crack at Gary O’Sullivan.

There was early success for two other Dublin boxers. Heavyweight debutant Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner landed a single left hook to dispense of Zoltan Elekes after just eight seconds of round one in a four-threes. Referee Paul McCullagh waved it off as Hungarian Elekes (18st 2lbs) staggered around trying to regain his senses. Turner (18st 7lbs) arrives on the scene with a pedigree that saw him win a super-heavyweight Irish amateur title in 2013 and later compete in the WSB.

Declan Geraghty made short work of Hungary’s Renato Toth, stopping him at 0-24 of round one. Another member of the MGM gym, charismatic southpaw Geraghty skewered timid Toth (9st 8lbs) with a perfect bodyshot to send his man writhing in agony and force John Lowey’s intervention in this four-rounder. Geraghty (9st 9lbs), 2-0 (1 KO), is clearly one to watch.

Belfast’s Alfredo Meli boxed for the second time in a week and recorded a routine 40-36 victory over Omagh’s Damien ‘Dee’ Taggart. Meli (12st 1lb 5oz) was always in control and rarely stepped up the gears as Taggart (11st 11lbs 5oz), bloodied but unbowed, bravely hung in well above his usual fighting weight. Hugh Russell Jnr was looking on closely in the final round as Meli’s punches became more spiteful but Taggart survived. Meli is now 8-0 (2 KOs) while Taggart slides to 5-3 (1 KO).

Lancaster’s Kofi Yates stretched his record to 7-1 with a 40-35 victory over Alec Bazza on Paul McCullagh’s scorecard. Bazza (10st 1lb) fell heavily in the first round from a straight right hand but the Belfast boxer is no stranger to the canvas and, as usual, he jumped up sharply and continued to keep things competitive. Yates (10st 3lbs) toiled hard but showed plenty of rough edges as both threw wild swings late on and a tiring Bazza (now winless in five, one draw) fiddled his way home.

Bangor brawler Casey Blair enjoyed a 40-36 shutout of fleet-footed Bognor Regis southpaw Liam Griffiths at middleweight. Muscular Blair (11st 3lbs), now 2-0, motored forward in trademark fashion to leave Griffiths (11st 6lbs) clinging on before John Lowey gave Casey the win.

‘Over the Moon’ Frampton Primed for Huge Outdoor Event – 16th June 2014

Carl Frampton has stated that he is “over the moon” with his world title fight on September 6. Even though the deal was agreed between the fighters themselves a while ago, all parties were still waiting for formal confirmation from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) before announcing the event. Carl whips his frame into prime physical condition before every bout at this level and the Kiko Martinez scrap will prove no different.

“This really will be tough but I push myself hard in training and with a world title on the line I go that extra bit harder. My body is adapting more and I can push the boundaries further in each camp,” he said.

World champions have been thin on the ground in Northern Ireland over recent years. Wayne McCullough returned home from Japan in 1995 with the WBC title. In 2012 Brian Magee was upgraded to full WBA super-middleweight champion prior to his fight with Mikkel Kessler but as that title was not claimed inside the ring it has largely gone unnoticed. So there is now perhaps an expectation from boxing fans in the North that their new hero will emerge victorious.

“It’s what you dream about. I have been boxing since I was seven, so to get the chance to fight and win a world title at home is a dream come true. It’s on the doorstep now so I have to deliver. I want to defend it many times.

“There’s nothing better than fight experience but a lot is about training camps and I had the fight that fell through. We’ve made a world title fight now and if it had of been sooner then great, he’s the champion and he dictates when he wants to fight. He’s been busier and that could stand by him but I’ve been in the gym as well."

The actual big fight venue has yet to be announced but outdoor locations like the Balmoral Showgrounds and Ravenhill (which now seems unlikely) have been discussed. Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan won his world title in Loftus Road way back in 1985 and knows all about the atmosphere that a fervent crowd in an outdoor arena can generate. Frampton is relishing the prospect but also pays homage to the unique atmosphere that the Odyssey has created during his rise to the top.

“It can be hard to create an atmosphere like in the Odyssey. The shape of the building and the roof makes it very hostile,” admitted ‘The Jackal’.

“You have to sell more tickets to pay the champion to come to your backyard and it will be a great night.  I think we’ll sell 20,000 tickets. I have to keep focused on the fight but I enjoy the build-up to these big fights. It gives you a bit of a break and changes things up. I’m not a fanatic but I train hard when I have to. I won't be lying thinking about this guy for the next 13 or so weeks. I’m looking forward to seeing him whenever the venue is announced and we have another press conference.”

Waterfront Brawl: McCullough Primed for Parlagi Challenge – 18th June 2014

Marc McCullough’s WBO European featherweight bout with Martin Parlagi on Friday night is being described by promoter Barry McGuigan as a “coming-of-age fight”. The Belfast boxer is aiming for the next level if he can repel the threat of his Slovakian opponent on the June 20 Waterfront Hall headline attraction.

“He (Parlagi) does have a good amateur record because I was talking to Paddy Barnes who said that he remembers him and he’s quite good,” said McCullough.

“He fought at flyweight though in the amateurs and this is a different game. He’s a bit blown up now so we’ll see if he can handle my strength. All of his knockouts seem to be in the first round so he comes at you for the first couple of rounds and if he doesn’t put you out early then he seems to go the distance. Once he feels my power from the third and fourth round onwards then I’ll take over.”

Barry McGuigan is keen to stress that Marc cannot afford to look past Parlagi in their 50-50 encounter. Barry views McCullough as the best featherweight in the UK outside of Lee Selby.

“If Marc has any weaknesses then they will be exposed on Friday night. Parlagi has bought 20 tickets so they are coming here to win but I think they’re making a big mistake,” said McGuigan.

“Marc’s a massive featherweight, way bigger than I was. He loves fights of attrition and he will love a guy to walk on to him and try to knock him out. We’re going to be banging on the doors of the BBBofC after this and if one door doesn’t open then we’ll create another opening for our fighters. We are going to bring big fights over here.

“I've already asked Steve Wood if he’d take the McCullough fight for Josh Warrington but he said that Eddie (Hearn) has offered him another deal. So he politely gave me the slip. I can guarantee you that Warrington will come nowhere near us.”

Trainer John Breen agrees that if his young fighter can weather the early storm then power and size advantages will start to tell and 24-year-old McCullough will begin to take over.

“It will be Marc’s hardest test because this guy said himself that he’s coming here to win. Marc’s trained very hard and we’ve also been in with southpaws as preparation. Marc likes to fight; he likes to have a go. The first few rounds will be difficult but after four rounds or so Marc’s power will start to tell,” said Breen.

Waterfront Brawl: Conlan Close to Brit Title Shot But Molnar Comes First – 19th June 2014

Jamie Conlan fights Hungary’s Gabor Molnar on June 20 and the Belfast starlet is hopeful that a good win will finally push him into a British title shot. With 1,200 tickets already sold for the show there will be a healthy crowd inside the Waterfront Hall on Friday night to see the young prospects ply their trade. Molnar is well-travelled and has faced a good level of opposition during his career but tends to lose when stepping up. The main concern for Jamie could be the mystery factor that Molnar brings to the ring.

“The main thing for me is getting the win and looking good,” said Conlan.

“Eamonn Magee always says that his hardest fights were the ones he didn’t know anything about. John and Eamonn have been on top of me because I just can’t underestimate this guy. It’s always tougher defending the title than winning it.”

Conlan paid homage to lower-weight rival Paul Butler’s display on June 7 when the English boxer took ownership of Stuart Hall’s IBF bantamweight title.

“You can’t take anything away from Butler, he did brilliant, moving up and winning a world title. I did rate the performance, he did very well,” lauded ‘The Mexican’.

Cyclone Promotions’ main man Barry McGuigan is annoyed that Jamie is still waiting around for his crack at the Lonsdale belt.  Hopefully the 27-year-old, who sports an 11-0 (7 KOs) record, will fight Anthony Nelson for the vacant crown on Carl Frampton’s September undercard.

“We have been pushing the British Board very hard because he deserves a British title fight. I’m really cross that he hasn’t had his chance by now. The title’s vacant after Butler moved up to win the world bantamweight title. Jamie’s been in line for the last year-and-a-half and Jake’s been hounding Robert Smith - we have staked our claim.

“Molnar will be lucky to last seven or eight rounds with him. Jamie will be better because he’s been active and I think he’s the type of kid that responds to regular fights. We have a very good relationship with Frank Warren and Jamie can easily slip up to bantamweight so there are lots of opportunities out there. I’d like him to be busier first and win the British super-flyweight title.”

Carmichael Hopes Moses Win Can Reignite Career – 19th June 2014

Conall Carmichael is fully aware that his career is at a crossroads and the veteran cruiserweight will have to act fast if he is to strap a professional title around his waist. Conall boxes African survivor Moses Matovu over four rounds on Friday, June 20, providing promoter Barry McGuigan with the “big guy” he craves to finely balance the Waterfront card.

“I’m under no illusions, I’m 35 years of age now so I’m looking to go out and put on a good performance,” said Carmichael who has already beaten Matovu on his 2012 debut.

“I know I’m not fighting a world beater but hopefully I can work more with Barry. There are a couple of good fighters in Ireland and in England as well. Tims and Sweeney are over here and then there are the likes of Jon-Lewis Dickinson, who just got beaten for a British title, and Tony Conquest, so there’s a good mix.”

Carmichael boasts a 4-1 record with the only blemish coming just over a year ago at the fists of Welshman Hari Miles in the cruiserweight Prizefighter. If big Conall grabs the win as expected tomorrow night then Barry McGuigan also seems keen on working with the Holy Trinity boxer on making future title fights a reality.

“There's about 100 people out there looking to challenge him but we just want to get the ring rust off,” said Barry.

“We get it on twitter all the time, with guys coming out of retirement looking to fight Conall. We just want to get him a win, get him busy and increase the activity. Sweeney’s thrown his hat into the ring. We can get Conall into Celtic title fights as well so there are lots of opportunities.”

‘Beast’ Cummings Ready to Reap the Benefits of Top-Class Sparring – 20th June 2014

Coalisland bruiser Conrad Cummings is looking forward to showcasing the skills he has been busy developing during his London training camps on this evening’s ‘Waterfront Brawl’ show.  Trainer Shane McGuigan is working hard on tweaking the talented middleweight into more of a thinking fighter than an all-out wrecking ball.

“I’ve worked extremely hard in training and left no stone unturned. I want to go out and enjoy the night, taking it round-by-round,” said Conrad who meets Lajos Munkacsi tonight.

“This guy’s decent; he’s fought 10 rounders. I didn’t even try to sell tickets and I’ve sold a couple of hundred, with people coming to me. I’m honoured that people are getting behind me and giving their support.”

One benefit of fighting across the water has been the consistently high quality of sparring that Cummings has enjoyed while training alongside Carl Frampton. Former world title challenger Andy Lee has been in the ring, as well as Kirk Garvey (a talented amateur on the cusp of turning professional), light-middleweight novice Aaron Morgan and Ted Cheeseman.

“I’ve been sparring with Andy Lee and some light-heavyweights as well as middleweights and amateur welterweights so I’m adapting through the variation. I’m still learning the game and there’s Andy Lee maybe fighting for a world title next so it’s good experience. I said that I can’t make light-middleweight but I will if it’ll get me a world title shot!”

Barry McGuigan is also impressed with the strides made by his fighter. Barry has been imploring the 23-year-old to master boxing at range behind the jab.

“I can’t believe the progress Conrad’s made,” said Barry. “He is really going to be an awesome middleweight and he’s had top quality sparring against light-heavyweights. We want to move Conrad on aggressively. It’s top-class stuff down the gym and you could charge to watch it. We are working on creating space, using the jab and working on the outside.”

“You can expect a stoppage because this guy’s a beast,” agreed Shane McGuigan.

McCullough Powers Past Parlagi in Title Thriller – 21st June 2014

Belfast featherweight Marco McCullough and Czech opponent Martin Parlagi served up a cracking slugfest at the Waterfront Hall on Friday, June 20. McCullough eventually prevailed on a 10-round points verdict, winning the vacant WBO European belt, but was pushed all the way.

Both men hit the canvas in the early stages. Parlagi (8st 12lbs 1oz) took a count in round two from a McCullough left hook but Martin returned the favour in the fourth round when his own left dropped Marco heavily. The home fighter suffered a cut on the bridge of the nose that bled profusely as the bout wore on. Referee Steve Gray worked hard throughout the encounter, trying to keep a lid on Parlagi’s liberal use of the head and elbows. The wild-swinging visitor, 14-1 (8 KOs), landed plenty of legal leather as well, while McCullough (8st 12lbs 14oz) bossed matters down the stretch behind his quality jab. McCullough’s victory was not in question although Zoltan Enyedi’s 95-93 card seemed more reflective of the action than the wider totals of Dave Parris (98-92) and Mihai Leu (97-91).

“I thought he would tire out after three or four rounds from my strength. I should’ve listened to John [Breen, trainer] more because once I boxed it was easy enough,” said McCullough now 10-1 (6 KOs).

“Marc was fantastic tonight and that win has given him a number of options,” agreed promoter Barry McGuigan.

Local crowd-pleaser Jamie Conlan successfully defended his WBO European super-flyweight title with a third-round knockout of Hungary’s Gabor Molnar. Conlan is overdue a British title shot but it was Molnar (8st 0lbs 9oz) trying to force the action early with some snappy left hooks. Conlan (8st 2lbs 7oz) dropped his man with a right hand in the second-round of this 10-rounder. A right hand-left hook combination late in the third-round felled Gabor again as Steve Gray deliberated over the stoppage. Moments later another thudding right conclusively ended Molnar’s challenge at 1-58 of the round with Conlan reaching 12-0 (8 KOs).

Coalisland middleweight Conrad Cummings comprehensively removed Hungary’s Lajos Munkacsi in the second round of their six-rounder. Waiting patiently for his moment Cummings (11st) landed a tasty right hand that rocked the head of Munkacsi (11st 4lbs 2oz) who fell heavily and was counted out at 0-55 of the session by Paul McCullagh. Cummings is now 3-0 (2 KOs).

London-based Ghanaian Isaac Dogboe showed his quality during a routine 40-35 victory over Gloucester’s Andy Harris. Dogboe (9st 4lbs) persistently stalked Harris (9st 6lbs) who hit the canvas in the opener from a right hand behind the ear. John Lowey’s verdict moves Isaac to 2-0 (1 KO).

Willie Casey returned for the first time since being stopped by headliner McCullough last October with a 59-55 win over Poland’s Krzysztof Rogowski. Casey (9st) warmed-up as the bout progressed and Rogowski (8st 13lbs 6oz) made sure it was never comfortable. John Lowey officiated as Limerick’s ‘Big Bang’ shuffles to 15-3 (9 KOs).

Belfast cruiserweight Conall Carmichael outpointed Bangor-based Ugandan Moses Matovu (14st 10lbs) 40-35 on Paul McCullagh’s scorecard. Carmichael (15st 8lbs), 5-1 (2 KOs), cemented the win with a second round knockdown.

Barry McGuigan: ‘McCullough Was Fantastic on Friday Night’ – 23rd June 2014

Promoter Barry McGuigan knows a good featherweight rumble when he sees one. The former world champion was, after all, involved in a few enticing scraps during his own ring career. On Friday, June 20 his young prospect Marc ‘Marco’ McCullough engaged in a throwback small hall brawl. McCullough possessed the tools necessary to avoid trench warfare and looked in control of the bout whenever he stood off and dictated behind his more considered jab. It was only when the Shankill Road man stepped inside and tried to slug it out with Czech opponent Martin Parlagi that his defence began to leak.

“I thought he was fantastic tonight. Rounds eight and nine were fabulous rounds,” buzzed Barry shortly after the dust settled on the main event.

“John (Breen) decides who he fights but he needs a rest now. That win has given us a number of options. Warrington’s out of the question, especially after tonight but he didn’t want anything to do with [Marc] so we have to look elsewhere. Martin Lindsay’s gone; he’s out of the equation. Parlagi would definitely beat Warrington.”

McGuigan also has his eye on another new signing or two, making no secret of the fact he is an admirer of the talent that finds its way through the Irish amateur system. The crowd at the Waterfront Hall venue fluctuated from bout-to-bout but by the time McCullough entered the ring there was a fervent aura developing. Even though there weren’t as many people inside as for the Eamonn Magee-Shea Neary contest that took place in the Waterfront in 2000, veteran trainer John Breen said that the atmosphere was more intense on Friday night.

“The crowd will be twice as much next time because of that fight,” continued McGuigan. “Marc wasn’t always using the full length of his jab; he was only three-quarter jabbing because he wanted to have a fight all the time. We’ve got a small show planned for November as well and if Carl does what we believe he can do then we might be out again before the end of the year; not that we want to get too far ahead of ourselves.”

Breen Backs Tough McCullough to Return on September Undercard – 23rd June 2014

Belfast coach John Breen reckons his featherweight prospect Marc McCullough will learn a lot from his WBO European title victory over Martin Parlagi on Friday, June 20. McCullough was dropped heavily in the fourth round but battled back to outbox his Czech foe. Even though a laceration across the bridge of McCullough's nose seemed ugly, Breen reckons that his fighter will be back out again on September 6 as part of the Frampton-Martinez undercard.

“The doctor said four weeks out so he’ll be ready for September which will be ideal. A fight with Martin Lindsay would be a backwards step for Marc. Sometimes Marc wants to fight and I told him to go and box instead. Marc is a hard guy but that guy was harder.

“Parlagi wasn’t getting knocked out so I told Marc to just box him. He was only boxing for a minute of a round, throwing a few shots and then walking away. You learn from fights like that.”

For so long a staple of the Belfast boxing scene, Breen is moving from his Lombard Street gym and into new premises. It’s the end of an era but an exciting move for the veteran trainer and his understudy Eamonn Magee.

“I’m leaving the gym next week and I’m bringing champions with me to the new gym. If the boys had got beaten tonight then I was packing it in and that was me finished from boxing. That’s how confident I was because I knew they weren’t going to lose."

John also had some good things to say about another standout in the stable, super-flyweight Jamie Conlan who defeated Gabor Molnar on the Waterfront Hall undercard.

“Jamie’s a good puncher; I know how hard he can punch. He’s a good boxer too though. I’ve never seen Jamie hurt and it will take a good man to put him down. It’s a learning curve for him. He needs to get punches working together, to start throwing one-twos instead of single shots," opined Breen.

Macklin Itching to Get Back Into the World Title Picture at Middleweight – 25th June 2014

World-class middleweight Matthew Macklin is looking to muscle his way into the title picture once again and has his heart set on an Irish homecoming. Macklin’s next appearance could be in Dublin at the end of August, possibly in a world title eliminator. Although that has not yet been officially confirmed it’s very much part of the 32-year-old’s career plan.

“I can’t wait to fight in Ireland again. It’s brilliant going over to America and getting involved in big fights and I want to get a few good wins under my belt and get another crack at the world title,” he said.

Matthew was an interested observer recently when former foe Sergio Martinez conceded his middleweight belts to Puerto Rican legend Miguel Cotto in New York. Macklin agreed that Martinez looked like a shop-worn fighter whose better days are behind him. He doubts that the Argentine will be seen again at the top level due to a succession of serious injuries having taken their toll. Macklin still believes that in 2011 he beat a proper version of Felix Sturm but failed to get the decision he deserved. Now sporting a 30-5 (20 KOs) record he has certainly acquitted himself with distinction during several appearances at the top level.

“My fight with Martinez was nip and tuck until the final round. Golovkin beat me with a bodyshot but nobody wants to fight him. I came back with a good win before Christmas [against Lamar Russ in New Jersey] and hopefully I’ll fight in August. I think Golovkin will beat anyone at 160lb and possibly at 168lb. I think the only person who could possibly beat Golovkin would be Andre Ward and I don't believe anybody wants to fight either guy so somewhere down the line it’s one of the most intriguing fights in boxing.”

Having shared the ring with the pound-for-pound beast that is Gennady Golovkin just how difficult is it to fight the Kazakhstani and what makes him so tough to beat?

“His footwork and ring generalship is excellent. He’s very good at closing the distance when he wants to and closing the ring off and cutting the ring off without really doing much. After two rounds I was under a lot of pressure, not blowing heavily but under the cosh. He hadn’t really got out of second gear. I tried to turn it around but he caught me with a good shot in the process,” said Matthew.

One domestic rival that fans have long hoped Macklin would face off with at some point was Limerick’s Andy Lee. The talented southpaw has been flirting in and around the world scene over the last few years and may be on the cusp of another shot at a title after falling to the fists of the bloated figure of Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr. Lee battled back from a rocky start to emphatically remove John Jackson in thrilling fashion on the Martinez-Cotto undercard.

“The knockout was excellent, you won’t get many knockouts better than that. I thought up until the knockout his performance was leaky but he turned it all around,” concluded Macklin.

Casey’s Back on the Title Trail After Successful Rogowski Tune-Up – 27th June 2014

Former European super-bantamweight champion Willie Casey returned with a win on Friday, June 20 in Belfast and now believes that title opportunities will once again arrive his way. Casey was made to work by tough Polish journeyman Krzysztof Rogowski for the duration of his featherweight six-rounder but managed to post a 59-55 success that will hopefully help to get the ball rolling again.

“He was so tough and I’m happy to get the rounds under my belt,” said Casey.

“Hopefully we can kickstart something again because there’s more left in me and I want to fight on. It’s so disappointing not fighting and I just want to keep on going. Being out of the ring for so long was tough and I was trying not to blow myself up in there.”

Casey is now looking at getting on to one, or both, of the proposed Dublin cards that are mooted to be happening over the next month or so. After that it’s a spot on Carl Frampton’s world title undercard that pushes the 32-year-old’s buttons. Willie is still dissecting his loss to Marc McCullough last October and feels he has pinpointed exactly where things went wrong.

“I thought I maybe started a little too quick [against Rogowski], just like I did against Marc. Not to take anything away from Marc though because he’s a good fighter. We want to get things right. There are a couple of shows coming up in Dublin so I’m hoping to get maybe a six-rounder or an eight-rounder on those and then if things go well we could get on the Kiko and Carl undercard in September,” he added.

Trainer Phil Sutcliffe was impressed with what he saw. The Dublin coach has handled Willie on-and-off since his debut and is to be commended for his work with the Limerick southpaw.

“The jabs were working well against a lad who we knew would be very tough as he’d boxed in the world championships as an amateur. He was strong, he took some stick and some left hands but the ‘Big Bang’ didn’t work with the right hook. We are getting there though,” said Sutcliffe.

Frampton and Martinez Set to Come Face-to-Face This Week – 29th June 2014

The countdown to Carl Frampton’s September 6 IBF world title challenge is well and truly on as the two boxers formally come face-to-face in Belfast this week for the first time since February 2013. The venue for the huge showdown will also be announced next week. Speaking at the initial press conference that was organised to announce the IBF world title fight, Carl said he is hoping that Kiko arrives in Belfast ready to talk some trash.

“I hope it’s fiery. He has been saying a lot on Twitter, but let’s see if he is like that when he comes over because he has already been tamed,” said Frampton.

“He has already been knocked out, so he can’t be too brash because he will look foolish. There will be no problem with me getting motivated as there is a world title on the line. I’m going to be in front of the biggest crowd I have boxed in front of so there will be no issues with that. I think he’s a slightly better fighter now but I know how much I have improved.”

Even though his “smack talk” seems a little nonsensical at times it is fair to say that ‘La Sensacion’ Martinez has never been afraid to duck a challenge. The diminutive Spaniard has never been afraid to travel for fights, although the fact that he is not exactly packing out arenas at home in Spain could be a mitigating factor in that.

“He is well travelled but he has to be because boxing’s not a massive sport in Spain," agreed Carl Frampton, speaking at the initial press conference in early June.

“He may be a better fighter [since the first fight], slightly, but nothing dramatic has changed. I think this has all the ingredients for a proper ding-dong.”

Given that the pair have fought before there is a blueprint for how the rematch could pan out. Not that the challenger is taking much notice - he thinks that it could end even earlier than last February.

“It will be a tough fight but I think I will knock him out earlier this time. That’s bold, but I have learned from the last fight and the mistakes I made. It’s a bold prediction. I’m not one to predict rounds, but I’m very confident I can beat this guy up and do it earlier than the last time.

“If I’d have got the opportunity I think I‘d have been ready to win a world title a year-and-a-half ago at least. I’m a better fighter now, things are falling into place and looking good and I promise nothing will go wrong on fight night,” said Frampton.

Cyclone Call Presser to Announce Frampton-Martinez Venue – 30th June 2014

Barry McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions have called a press conference today at the Titanic Centre ahead of Carl Frampton’s world title showdown with Kiko Martinez on September 6. The press event, that starts at 1pm and is open to the public, promises to be a feisty affair with IBF champion Kiko ‘La Sensacion’ Martinez flying in to renew hostilities with ‘The Jackal’.

Despite Ravenhill, the Maze and Balmoral Showgrounds all being speculated on as possible big show venues, Cyclone have kept the actual location under wraps thus far. Details of ticket availability and pricing will also be disclosed at the Centre’s Titanic Suite, Level 5. The final destination is expected to be close by and with at least 20,000 supporters looking to pack in, the Titanic Slipways offer a spacious option.

Both champion and challenger come face-to-face in a formal situation for the first time since their February 2013 encounter. Frampton came out on top on that occasion, blasting the Spaniard in nine rounds for the European super-bantamweight title. A repeat victory in the rematch will land Carl the coveted world crown live on BoxNation TV.

Frampton stated on social media last week that he is looking forward to seeing his “wee friend” again and renewing a rivalry that has often threatened to turn ugly.

“I hope it’s fiery. He has been saying a lot on Twitter, but let’s see if he is like that when he comes over because he has been tamed,” said Frampton.

“He’s already been knocked out, so he can’t be too brash because he will look foolish. There will be no problem with me getting motivated as there is a world title on the line. I’m going to be in front of the biggest crowd I have boxed in front of but there will be no issues with that. I think he’s a slightly better fighter now but I know how much I have improved as well.”

Since losing to Frampton, Martinez has had three bouts, winning the world title in the second contest and showing slightly more refinement in his work. There is conflicting opinion as to whether the Kiko that landed in Belfast yesterday has improved since the first fight or if his level of opposition has not been the strongest.

“They’re not Carl Frampton. He’s a different fighter than those guys and it’s that simple. Frampton’s a stellar fighter," stated Barry McGuigan.

Frampton Still Keen to Dig Quigg –

1st July 2014

So Frampton-Martinez will take place at the Titanic Quarter venue later in the year. But what about the plight of WBA world belt holder, or ‘regular’ champion whatever the hell it is, Scott Quigg? It’s important not to get too carried away beyond the imminent threat of Kiko Martinez and no doubt Cyclone Promotions will react with discomfort when anything but September 6 is mentioned. But speculation is all part of the fun, right? If Frampton gets past the Spaniard then fights with the likes of Leo Santa Cruz, Scott Quigg or Guillermo Rigondeaux will certainly whet the appetite.

"I’m looking to win this fight first but Quigg is an option and Santa Cruz is an option," said Frampton, speaking at the initial world title presser in early June.

"The mandatory is Chris Avalos and he is an option. I’m happy to fight all these guys. Scott Quigg wasn’t keen to come to Belfast, but now he’s desperate because he knows we have the Kiko fight, so that’s why he is mentioning me now. They are a little bit desperate.”

According to Quigg’s promoter Eddie Hearn, who has been serenading his followers on Twitter over recent weeks, there is a big fight on the table for the Bury boxer very soon. Perhaps Hearn will be able to coax Santa Cruz into the ring for a “unification” if, indeed, Quigg’s WBA strap counts as a legitimate world crown.

“I’m happy I’m fighting for a legitimate world title, fighting in front of 20,000 people in my home town,” countered Frampton. “I’m very happy with that so they [rival fighters and promoters] can say what they want.”

Frampton and Martinez All Set for Titanic Showdown – 1st July 2014

Belfast’s Titanic Quarter will be the venue to host Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton’s world title fight with Kiko Martinez on September 6. There were no hostilities as the pair came to face-to-face to announce details of the IBF super-bantamweight showdown. While Frampton reckons that his time to shine has arrived he also believes that it would be a mistake to underestimate the threat posed by Martinez.

“Kiko’s a hard man and I respect everything he’s done but I will be victorious,” affirmed Frampton.

“We have a bit of history from the first fight and I think there’s going to be fireworks. Kiko’s probably improved as a fighter but I know that I’ve definitely improved as a fighter. I know everything about Kiko now, I know how he fights. He has one style, he’s aggressive and he comes forward. I’ve been there and dealt with it before and that will benefit me.

“There were a few potential venues being talked about but this is the best, I’m glad it’s here. There’s a lot of pressure on me. Barry was saying that I would be a world champion from two or three fights into my career. This is the first time I’ve fought for a world title and there will be pressure and a massive crowd. People are expecting me to win this fight but it will be hard.”

Promoter Barry McGuigan predicts that the specially-built arena will break new ground in Belfast boxing with tiered seating and a 16,000 capacity making for an historic occasion. Barry was also delighted with Frampton’s ninth-round knockout victory in the first fight last February.

“The first fight was spectacular. It see-sawed for the first half-dozen rounds and Kiko has since gone on to win the world title which he has defended twice. He’s coming back here for redemption, to set the record straight,” said McGuigan.

Martinez, on the other hand, sees it slightly differently. The 28-year-old Spaniard views himself as a hardened road warrior who is travelling back to Northern Ireland to complete a job he failed to finish the first time.

“It’s not about revenge for me; it’s a challenge I have to overcome,” he said.

“It’s nothing personal. I’m giving Frampton the opportunity and every country would be envious of holding a fight like this. I’m used to boxing away from home and you are going to see the best of me on the night.”

While Kiko was quick to point out that he and Frampton are not friends he revealed that he has been hounding his team for this rematch, to show the changes that trainer Pablo Sarmiento has implemented.

“I think that my defence has improved, my physical shape and my mind are stronger than before. Sometimes you think that the fight has already been won but that would be a bad mistake for Frampton. It will be a long fight and I don’t see Frampton winning by stoppage and I don’t think I will win early either.”

As usual, Carl’s trainer Shane McGuigan offered a more candid assessment of the September 6 mega-fight.

“It’ll be tough while it lasts but I think Carl will come out with a victorious knockout,” said Shane.

“Kiko got a lucky title shot and he went on to defend it twice but now it’s Carl Frampton’s time to win the world title and go on to bigger and better things.”

Despite the untested location, Barry McGuigan expects a raucous September evening.

“We are going to transplant the atmosphere from the Odyssey Arena out to here,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s ever been like this before.”

Frampton and Martinez Prepare for Titanic Rematch – 2nd July 2014

Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez will battle for the Spaniard's IBF super-bantamweight title at the iconic Titanic Quarter on September 6. Packing 16,000 into the slipways, promoter Barry McGuigan brought the two pugilists together for a press conference yesterday. Things threatened to boil over at the pre-fight events last time these pair met but despite a hefty crowd of fight fans being present, the atmosphere was generally cordial at the Titanic Centre meeting room.

“This fight is breaking new ground and will be a fantastic occasion,” lauded Barry.

“We’ve got a capacity of 16,000 people in a spectacular venue, in the shadow of Samson and Goliath, the Harland and Wolff cranes. We are building a tiered seating arena for an historic occasion.”

The visitor sat at the end of the press table in a more quiet and considered manner, shying away from any hostility or making bold predictions. It was a far cry from the brash, irritable Martinez that turned up for the Matchroom press events prior to the February 2013 European title affair. ‘La Sensacion’ offered some bizarre statements during that run, even claiming that his young nephew would knock Frampton out.

“I am prepared to give it everything and make it a good night for me,” Martinez mumbled via an interpreter.

“I’m not going to say that Frampton and myself are friends because we are not friends. Last time I was here I had a bad night but obviously the sixth [of September] will be different. I’m very happy to be here again because I’ve been asking the team for this rematch.”

Whether the 28-year-old has improved since losing heavily to ‘The Jackal’ in their first meeting is open to interpretation. McGuigan Snr thinks that the likes of Romero, Mathebula and Hasegawa were not in Frampton’s league and served up as easy meat. Kiko, on the other hand, believes that his head movement, defence and mindset are all stronger since hooking up with trainer Pablo Sarmiento.

“His relationship with Pablo Sarmiento has probably developed a bit over the last few fights,” agreed Barry’s son Shane who trains Frampton

“The first fight was very tough and Kiko then went on to win the world title. He’s that bit sharper and defensively sound but he always pressure fights. The best Carl Frampton beats the best Kiko Martinez every time though. We’ve already started our preparations for this fight and Carl will come out victorious.”

‘Pretty Boy’ Geraghty Is One of Ireland’s Hottest Prospects – 11th July 2014

Lightweight prospect Declan Geraghty will be looking for victory number three when he boxes rugged survivor Youssef Al Hamidi in Birmingham on July 12. Shortly after registering his second win, a rapid-fire dismissal of Renato Toth on June 14 in Belfast, we caught up with Declan to discuss his career so far.

Congratulations on your knockout of Renato Toth. How happy are you with the win?

“I’m happy with the win but it was a bit fast. I knew as soon as he went down from the shot to the body that he wasn’t going to get back up. I was hoping he would get up because I’d brought up about 70 fans and another 70 or so for Fitzy as well but I’m out in Dublin next month on the Stephen Ormond bill and I want to get a big crowd for that [that show was since postponed with Ormond now appearing on the Frampton-Martinez undercard in early September].”

How do you rate your amateur career and what you’ve done so far as a professional?

“As an amateur I won everything in Ireland but I underachieved in my opinion. I was ranked top ten in the world at one stage but I didn't get my world or European medal after getting to the last eight in both of them. I thought I should’ve got the big medal but I’m happy with the changeover I’m a bit below lightweight, I’m only really a super-feather. Everyone knows me as a boxer, very slick and classy but I’m starting to bang as a pro now. In my last fight, against Sid Razak, he doesn’t get stopped often and he kept backing away so I wasn’t happy with my performance I that one. You'll see more from me as a banger in the future than just a boxer.”

What’s it like training out in Marbella at the MGM gym under the watchful eye of Seamus Macklin?

“Shea is bringing me on leaps and bounds. I’m not only going over for camps but I live over there and the sparring is great. I’ve been sparring Tommy Coyle, Bradley Saunders, Kofi Yates and Derry Mathews will be over there. These boys will bring me on and it’s all about keeping busy. Tom Stalker and I are best mates out of the ring but in the ring we have wars against each other, there’s no holding back.”

How fast are you looking to move your career on?

“These guys are journeymen and I’d like to move on pretty fast but that’s not my call. I think that we can bring boxing back to Dublin, back to the day of Bernard Dunne. Not only me but there’s a lot of other good boys like Luke Keeler, Sean Turner and Stephen Ormond. We’re not looking at just domestic level or even European level we’re looking eventually at world level but it all takes time. I’m not going to say I’ll be a world champion in two or three years, I’m not looking to jump too far ahead.”

What type of advice do you get from Matthew Macklin?

“Matthew’s a lovely fella who’s giving my advice all of the time. My manager Daniel is giving me good advice and my trainer Shea is young but he knows his boxing. I’ve got a great team and I want to thank everyone from behind the scenes in the gym who have helped me out. I’ll be signed up soon with a promoter but we’re not worrying about that at the moment.”

Macklin Prepares for Dublin Show and Tips Frampton for World Glory – 16th July 2014

Former European middleweight champion and world title challenger Matthew Macklin has endorsed Carl Frampton’s campaign to win the IBF super-bantamweight belt in September. Macklin is spearheading Matchroom’s plans to bring big time boxing to Dublin on August 30 and has half an eye on a money-spinning showdown with Irish rival Andy Lee later this year. Speaking at the Holiday Inn last month the 32-year-old revealed that he fancies Carl Frampton’s chances of landing a global strap at the Titanic Quarter.

“I think Frampton’s a great fighter. I wasn’t sure or 100 per cent on him but against Martinez [in the first fight], Kiko really put it on him early doors but he tucked up behind a nice defence and picked his punches well,” said Matthew.

“When it was time to step it up he did and produced a beautiful knockout finish so he even had the power late on in the fight. Martinez has obviously gone on since then to win a world title but I think that on September 6 Frampton will do the same and win the title.

“He beat him before and I don’t see anything that Martinez can do differently. If anything, Carl has improved more and can beat him even more decisively. Only Martinez knows how he prepared for the first fight but he really put a lot of pressure on Frampton and Frampton showed experience beyond his years and his class to finish brilliantly.”

Macklin is eager to pull on the gloves again after a proposed May 24 date against Daniel Geale, on HBO’s influential Boxing after Dark programme, fell through. The card was pulled when one half of the headline bout, Cork-based Cuban Mike Perez, withdrew injured and his American opponent Bryant Jennings was left in limbo. The middleweights subsequently went their separate ways and Geale signed to fight former Macklin conqueror Gennady Golovkin. Putting that Stetside disappointment aside, the Tipperary boxer is now heading back to the Emerald Isle as he hunts down another big opportunity.

“Doing these fights in Ireland is important for me. There are great boxers over here in the professional scene and with Frampton headlining up in Belfast and me headlining down in Dublin it can trickle down and keep everyone happy,” he said.

Dave ‘Boy’ McAuley Backs Jackal to Snatch World Crown in Belfast – 19th July 2014

In his prime he collected the IBF world flyweight title and engaged in ring wars with the likes of Fidel Bassa, Jacob Matlala and Duke McKenzie. Now Dave ‘Boy’ McAuley reckons that Carl Frampton can follow in his footsteps and bring a world crown home on September 6.

“I don’t want to be overconfident but Carl will win this fight. He has the measure of [Kiko] Martinez and I can only see one outcome on September 6,” said McAuley.

“It will be a tough fight but Kiko is a one-trick pony and I would put the house on Carl beating him. He marches forward and throws huge bombs and that is all he has to offer. Carl will be too smart for him, he has his measure and I believe he will stop him again. He will have learnt so much from the first fight.”

Despite the apparent confident in Frampton’s skills, the ex-champion has urged caution regarding Kiko’s strength and punch power so believes Carl’s best option is to stick to his superior boxing ability. By moving in and hitting Kiko with two or three shots at a time and then moving out of range again, ‘The Jackal’ can successfully negotiate his way through the fight.

“Carl is smart enough to do that and if he does then Kiko will get frustrated as the fight goes on,” continued Dave. “He will then start to take chances and Carl will punish him. Kiko can only do the one thing - but Carl can box, fight, move and he is clever. He also bangs very hard and I see him becoming our next world champion.”

The Larne native sees Martinez’s brash pre-fight chatter as mere confidence-building bravado and insists that the Spaniard will be increasingly wary of his young challenger given the fact that Carl has already knocked him out conclusively.

“It does not matter what he says in the run-up to the fight because he will know in the back of his mind that Carl stopped him the last time. Nothing else compares to that and it is something that will live with you forever.

“It will be an unforgettable night for him and when he wins it will be great for Belfast and boxing here,” concluded McAuley.

Domestic Results: Professional Shows in Ireland

2013

February 9 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast (Promoter: Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing).

Super-bantamweight: Carl Frampton (Belfast) beat Kiko Martinez (Spain) RSF 9 - European title defence by Martinez.

Featherweight: Lee Selby (Barry) beat Martin Lindsay (Belfast) PTS 12 - British and Commonwealth titles defence by Selby.

Middleweight: Andy Lee (Limerick) beat Anthony Fitzgerald (Dublin) PTS 10.

Super-flyweight: Jamie Conlan (Belfast) beat Mike Robinson (Liverpool) RSF 10.

Middleweight: Eamonn O’Kane (Dungiven) beat Gary Boulden (Shepperton) PTS 6.

Middleweight: Grzegorz Proksa (Poland) beat Norbert Szekeres (Hungary) PTS 6.

Super-featherweight: Daniel McShane (Belfast) beat Pavels Senkovs (Latvia) PTS 4.

Super-middleweight: Callum Smith (Liverpool) beat Tommy Tolan (Belfast) RSF 1.

Heavyweight: Martin Rogan (Belfast) beat Ladislav Kovarik (Czech Republic) PTS 4.

Lightweight: Marco McCullough (Belfast) beat Ibrar Riyaz (Reading) PTS 4.

Light-welterweight: James Fryers (Belfast) beat Billy Smith (Worcester) PTS 4.

March 9 - Fairways Hotel, Dundalk (Promoter: Mark Dunlop, KO Promotions).

Bantamweight: Christina McMahon (Carrickmacross) beat Karina Kopinska (Poland) PTS 8.

Featherweight: James Tennyson (Belfast) beat David Kis (Hungary) RSF 1.

Cruiserweight: Declan Trainor (Warrenpoint) beat Tamas Danko (Hungary) RSF 1.

Super-featherweight: Daniel McShane (Belfast) beat Ignac Kassai (Hungary) RSF 2.

Middleweight: Anthony Fitzgerald (Dublin) beat Lazlo Haaz (Hungary) PTS 6.

Super-featherweight: Anthony Cacace (Belfast) beat Zsolt Nagy (Hungary) PTS 6.

Light-welterweight: Noel O’Brien (Dublin) beat Tibor Meszaros (Hungary) RSF 2.

Welterweight: Matthew Wilton (Belfast) beat Miklos Baraz (Hungary) RSF 1.

Light-welterweight: Philip Sutcliffe (Dublin) beat Zoltan Kovacs (Hungary) RSF 1.

Welterweight: Willie Mitchell (Omagh) beat Brandon Peake (Ballyhaunis) RSF 3.

April 27 - St Kevin’s Hall, Belfast (Promoters: Mark Dunlop and Alan Wilton, Peace Promotions).

Super-featherweight: James Tennyson (Belfast) beat Mickey Coveney (London) RSF 2 - for vacant Irish title.

Cruiserweight: Conall Carmichael (Belfast) beat Courtney Owen (Nottingham) RTD 4.

Light-welterweight: Matthew Wilton (Belfast) beat Johnny Greaves (London) RSF 4.

Featherweight: Paul Quinn (Annalong) beat Igor Tsujev (Estonia) RSF 1.

Super-featherweight: Eddie Nesbitt (Belfast) beat Michael Stupart (Dunfermline) RSF 2.

May 3 - Carlton Hotel, Dublin (Promoter: Paschal Collins).

Lightweight: Stephen Ormond (Dublin) beat Laszlo Robert Balogh (Hungary) RSF 2 - for vacant World Boxing Union title.

Middleweight: Gary O'Sullivan (Cork) beat Tadas Jonkus (Lithuania) RSF 3.

Light-middleweight: Karl Brabazon (Dublin) beat Mihaly Voros (Hungary) RSF 1.

Middleweight: Luke Keeler (Dublin) beat Renato Toth (Hungary) RTD 1.

May 14 - City Hall, Belfast (Promoter: Chris Graham, Emerald Promotions).

Light-welterweight: Kevin O’Hara (Belfast) beat Michael Kelly (Dundalk) PTS 8 - for vacant Celtic Warrior title.

Light-middleweight: John Hutchinson (Buncrana) and Gerard Healy (Belfast) T-DRAW 3.

Featherweight: Marco McCullough (Belfast) beat Noel O’Brien (Dublin) RSF 3.

Light-welterweight: Philip Sutcliffe (Dublin) beat Liam Finn (Knock) RSF 2.

Lightweight: Jamie Kennedy (Toome) beat Willie Mitchell (Omagh) PTS 4.

Heavyweight: Hughie Fury (Stockport) beat Moses Matovu (Uganda & Bangor) PTS 4.

June 28 - Holiday Inn, Belfast (Promoters: Jane Wilton, Belfast Boxing Promotions and Ricky Hatton, Hatton Promotions).

Light-welterweight: Matthew Wilton (Belfast) beat Ideh Ochuko (Nigeria & London) PTS 8 - for vacant International Masters Bronze title.

Super-flyweight: Luke Wilton (Belfast) beat Kallum De’Ath (Manchester) PTS 6.

Featherweight: James Tennyson (Belfast) beat Andrei Hramyka (Belarus) RSF 1.

Super-featherweight: Daniel McShane (Belfast) beat Ivans Levickis (Latvia) RSF 4.

Bantamweight: Zhanat Zhakiyanov (Kazakhstan) beat Michael Escobar (Nicaragua & Barcelona) RSF 4.

Bantamweight: Ryan Burnett (Belfast) beat Elemir Rafael (Slovakia) RSF 2

July 12 - Fairways Hotel, Dundalk (Promoter: Mickey Hughes).

Middleweight: Eamonn O’Kane (Dungiven) beat Anthony Fitzgerald (Dublin) PTS 10 - for vacant Irish title.

Welterweight: Paddy Murphy (Newry & Brisbane) and Peter McDonagh (Galway & London) DREW 8.

Light-welterweight: Philip Sutcliffe Jnr (Dublin) beat Radoslav Mitev (Bulgaria) RSF 1.

Heavyweight: Hughie Fury (Stockport) beat Ivica Perkovic (Croatia) RTD 5.

Cruiserweight: Steve Collins Jnr (Dublin) beat Stanislavs Makarenko (Latvia) PTS 4.

Middleweight: Luke Keeler (Dublin) beat Tommy Tolan (Belfast) PTS 4.

September 14 - Devenish Complex, Belfast (Promoters: Mark Dunlop, Peace Promotions and Leonard Gunning, Boxing Ireland).

Cruiserweight: Stephen Reynolds (Sligo) beat Declan Trainor (Warrenpoint) RSF 6 - for vacant Celtic Nations International title.

Super-featherweight: Daniel McShane (Belfast) beat Zoltan Kovacs (Hungary) PTS 8 - for vacant International Masters Bronze title.

Middleweight: Joe Hillerby (Belfast) beat Vaclav Polak (Czech Republic) PTS 6.

Light-middleweight: John Hutchinson (Buncrana) beat Deividas Sajauka (Lithuania) PTS 4.

Welterweight: Paddy Gallagher (Belfast) beat Jozsef Garai (Hungary) RSF 1.

Light-welterweight: Oisin Fagan (Dublin) beat Andis Didzus (Latvia) RSF 2.

Bantamweight: Christina McMahon (Carrickmacross) beat Lana Cooper (Bargoed, Wales) RSF 5.

October 19 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast (Promoter: Barry McGuigan, Cyclone Promotions).

Super-bantamweight: Carl Frampton (Belfast) beat Jeremy Parodi (France) KO 6 - European and IBF Inter-Continental titles defence by Frampton.

Middleweight: Eamonn O’Kane (Dungiven) beat Kerry Hope (Merthyr Tydfi) PTS 12 - for vacant IBF Inter-Continental title.

Featherweight: Marco McCullough (Belfast) beat Willie Casey (Limerick) RSF 9 - for vacant Irish title.

Super-flyweight: Jamie Conlan (Belfast) beat Walter Rojas (Argentina) RSF 1.

Super-featherweight: Pavels Senkovs (Latvia) beat James Tennyson (Belfast) RSF 2.

Light-welterweight: Philip Sutcliffe Jnr (Dublin) beat Lubos Priehradnik (Slovakia) RSF 4.

Super-featherweight: Daniel McShane (Belfast) beat Oszkar Fiko (Romania) DSQ 3.

Bantamweight: Ryan Burnett (Belfast) beat Reynaldo Cajina (Nicaragua & Barcelona) RSF 2.

November 2 - Our Lady’s Hall, Dublin (Promoter: Stephen Sharpe, KO Entertainment).

Light-welterweight: Philip Sutcliffe Jnr (Dublin) beat Karoly Lakatos (Hungary) RSF 4.

Middleweight: Luke Keeler (Dublin) beat Janos Lakatos (Hungary) RSF 1.

Light-middleweight: Karl Brabazon (Dublin) beat Liam Finn (Knock) RSF 1

Super-middleweight: Vitalie Mirza (Romania & Dublin) beat Alan Donnellan (Galway & Limerick) PTS 4.

Featherweight: Ryan Peake (Ballyhaunis) beat Tibor Meszaros (Hungary) RSF 3.

November 9 - Holiday Inn, Belfast (Promoter: Jane Wilton, Belfast Promotions).

Flyweight: Luke Wilton (Belfast) beat Valentin Marinov (Bulgaria) PTS 6.

Light-welterweight: Matthew Wilton (Belfast) beat Matt Seawright (Tamworth) PTS 4.

Featherweight: Paul Quinn (Annalong) beat Sajid Khan (Luton) RSF 1.

Middleweight: Alfredo Meli (Belfast) beat Kieron Gray (Telford) PTS 4

Lightweight: Mark Morris (Belfast) beat Andy Harris (Gloucester) PTS 4.

2014

February 15 - National Stadium, Dublin (Promoter: Gary Hyde, Nowhere 2 Hyde Promotions).

Middleweight: Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (Cameroon & France) beat Ricardo Marcelo Ramallo (Argentina) RSF 4.

Cruiserweight: Youri Kayembre Kalenga (Congo & France) beat Cesar David Crenz (Argentina) KO 3.

Middleweight: Mark Heffron (Oldham) beat Mateo Damian Veron (Argentina) PTS 8.

Middleweight: Luke Keeler (Dublin) beat Edgars Sniedze (Latvia) RSF 2.

Welterweight: Sonny Upton (Belfast) beat Kevin McCauley (Brighton) PTS 4.

Super-middleweight: Darren Cruise (Castlerea) and Robert Long (Dublin) NO-CONTEST 2.

Cruiserweight: David Maguire (Dublin) beat Moses Matovu (Uganda & Belfast) PTS 4.

March 21 - Holiday Inn, Belfast (Promoter: Jane Wilton, Belfast Promotions).

Light-welterweight: Matthew Wilton (Belfast) beat Lewie O’Mara (Plymouth) PTS 6.

Middleweight: Alfredo Meli (Belfast) beat Festim Lama (Albania & London) PTS 6.

Featherweight: Paul Quinn (Belfast) beat Joe Beeden (Swindon) PTS 4.

Lightweight: Mark Morris (Belfast) beat Ryan Corrigan (Dudley) RSF 1.

Light-welterweight: Anthony Upton (Belfast) beat Alec Bazza (Belfast) RSF 4.

Light-middleweight: Casey Blair (Bangor) beat Billy Campbell (New Cummock) PTS 4.

April 4 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast (Promoter: Barry McGuigan, Cyclone Promotions).

Super-bantamweight: Carl Frampton (Belfast) beat Hugo Fidel Cazares (Mexico) KO 2.

Lightweight: Stephen Ormond (Dublin) beat Karim El Ouazghari (Spain) RSF 5 - WBO European title defence by Ormond.

Super-flyweight: Jamie Conlan (Belfast) beat Benjamin Smoes (Belgium) RSF 7 - for vacant WBO European title.

Middleweight: Eamonn O’Kane (Dungiven) beat Alvaro Gaona (Mexico) KO 1 - for vacant WBC International Silver title.

Featherweight: Marco McCullough (Belfast) beat Elemir Rafael (Slovakia) RSF 3.

Middleweight: Conrad Cummings (Belfast) beat Zahari Mutafchiev (Bulgaria) RSF 3.

May 10 - Devenish Complex, Belfast (Promoter: Mark Dunlop).

Featherweight: James Tennyson (Belfast) beat Ian Bailey (Slough) PTS 8.

Flyweight: Luke Wilton (Belfast) beat Stefan Slavchev (Bulgaria) PTS 6.

Featherweight: Martin Lindsay (Belfast) beat Krzysztof Rogowski (Poland) RSF 3.

Light-middleweight: Dee Walsh (Belfast) beat Krisztian Duka (Hungary) RSF 1.

Middleweight: Alfredo Meli (Belfast) Samet Hyuseinov (Bulgaria) PTS 4.

Lightweight: James Fryers (Belfast) beat Alec Bazza (Belfast) PTS 4.

Super-featherweight: Derek Potter (Belfast) beat Ben Mulligan (Fivemiletown) PTS 4.

Lightweight: Paul Hyland Jnr (Belfast) beat Zoltan Horvath (Hungary) PTS 4.

June 6 - Holiday Inn, Belfast (Promoter: Jane Wilton, Belfast Promotions).

Middleweight: Luke Keeler (Dublin) beat Festim Lama (Albania & London) RSF 4.

Middleweight: Alfredo Meli (Belfast) beat Dan Blackwell (Trowbridge) PTS 6.

Light-welterweight: Ciaran Bates (Dublin) beat Mihaly Szalontai (Hungary) RSF 1.

Light-middleweight: Willie Thompson (Ballyclare) beat Liam Griffiths (Bognor Regis) PTS 4.

Light-welterweight: Eamonn Magee Jnr (Belfast) beat Zoltan Horvath (Hungary) RSF 2.

Lightweight: Paul Hyland Jnr (Belfast) beat Joe Beedon (Swindon) PTS 4.

Heavyweight: Kenneth Odeke (Uganda & Belfast) beat Moses Matovu (Uganda & Bangor)

June 14 - Holiday Inn, Belfast (Promoter: Jane Wilton, Belfast Promotions.

Light-middleweight: Dee Walsh (Belfast) beat Jozsef Kormany (Hungary) RSF 1 - for vacant International Masters Bronze title.

Middleweight: Anthony Fitzgerald (Dublin) beat Dan Blackwell (Trowbridge) PTS 6.

Middleweight: Casey Blair (Bangor) beat Liam Griffiths (Bognor Regis) PTS 4.

Lightweight: Declan Geraghty (Dublin) beat Renato Toth (Hungary) RSF 1.

Heavyweight: Sean Turner (Dublin) beat Zoltan Elekes (Hungary) RSF 1.

Light-welterweight: Kofi Yates (Wythenshawe) beat Alec Bazza (Belfast) PTS 4.

Middleweight: Alfredo Meli (Belfast) beat Damian Taggart (Omagh) PTS 4.

June 20 - Waterfront Hall, Belfast (Promoter: Barry McGuigan, Cyclone Promotions).

Featherweight: Marco McCullough (Belfast) beat Martin Parlagi (Slovakia) PTS 10 - for vacant WBO European title.

Super-flyweight: Jamie Conlan (Belfast) beat Gabor Molnar (Hungary) RSF 3 - WBO European title defence by Conlan.

Middleweight: Conrad Cummings (Belfast) beat Lajos Munkacsi (Hungary) RSF 2.

Featherweight: Willie Casey (Limerick) beat Krzysztof Rogowski (Poland) PTS 6.

Heavyweight: Conall Carmichael (Belfast) beat Moses Matovu (Uganda & Bangor) PTS 4.

Super-featherweight: Isaac Dogboe (Ghana & London) beat Andy Harris (Gloucester) PTS 4.

Scheduled for August 30 in the National Stadium, Dublin. Promoter: Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport. Matthew Macklin vs. Jorge Sebastian Heiland, Gary O’Sullivan vs. Anthony Fitzgerald, Anthony Joshua vs. Yaroslav Zavorotnyi, Kal Yafai vs. Luke Wilton, Luke Keeler vs. Paul Moffett.

Scheduled for September 6 in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast. Promoter: Barry McGuigan, Cyclone Promotions. Carl Frampton vs. Kiko Martinez, also featuring Marc McCullough, Jamie Conlan, Conrad Cummings and Stephen Ormond.

World Results 2013

Key: PTS = Points, TKO = Technical Knockout, KO = Knockout, RSF = Referee Stopped Fight, NC = No Contest, D = Draw, TD = Technical Decision, RTD = Retired.

August 1: Tomoki Kameda WPTS12 Paulus Ambunda (WBO bantamweight title).

August 10: Anselmo Moreno WPTS12 William Urina (WBA super-bantamweight title) - Nehomar Cermeno WPTS12 Oscar Escandon (WBA interim super-featherweight title).

August 12: Shinsuke Yamanaka WKO1 Jose Nieves (WBC bantamweight title) - Akira Yaegashi WPTS12 Oscar Blanquet (WBC flyweight title).

August 17: Sergey Kovalev WTKO4 Nathan Cleverly (WBO light-heavyweight title) - Darren Barker WPTS12 Daniel Geale (IBF middleweight title) - Kiko Martinez WTKO6 Jonathan Romero (IBF super-bantamweight title) - Takashi Miura WPTS12 Sergio Thompson (WBC super-featherweight title).

August 23: Argenis Mendez DPTS12 Arash Usmanee (IBF super-featherweight title).

August 24: Jhonny Gonzalez WKO1 Abner Mares (WBC featherweight title) - Leo Santa Cruz WRSF3 Victor Terrazas (WBC super-bantamweight title) - Omar Narvaez WTKO10 Hiroyuki Hisataka (WBO super-flyweight title).

September 3: Daiki Kameda WPTS12 Rodrigo Guerrero (vacant IBF super-flyweight title) - Denkaosen Kaovichit WPTS12 Nobuo Nashiro (WBA interim super-flyweight title).

September 7: Ricky Burns DPTS12 Raymundo Beltran (WBO lightweight title).

September 11: Kazuto Ioka WTKO7 Kwanthai Sithmorseng (WBA ‘regular’ light-flyweight title) - Ryo Miyazaki WPTS12 Jesus Silvestre (WBA minimumweight title).

September 14: Floyd Mayweather Jr WPTS12 Saul Alvarez (WBA & WBC light-middleweight title) - Danny Garcia WPTS12 Lucas Matthysse (WBA & WBC light-welterweight titles) - Carlos Molina WPTS12 Ishe Smith (IBF light-middleweight title) - Kid Galahad WTKO10 James Dickens (vacant British super-bantamweight title).

September 21: Dereck Chisora WRSF5 Edmund Gerber (European heavyweight title) - Billy Joe Saunders WPTS12 John Ryder (British middleweight title) - Liam Walsh WPTS12 Joe Murray (Commonwealth super-featherweight title) - Frankie Gavin WPTS12 David Barnes (British & Commonwealth welterweight titles) - Derry Mathews WTKO4 Curtis Woodhouse (Commonwealth lightweight title) - Liam Smith WPTS12 Erick Ochieng (vacant British light-middleweight title) - Rocky Fielding WKO1 Mohammed Akrong (vacant Commonwealth super-middleweight title).

September 28: Adonis Stevenson WTKO7 Tavoris Cloud (WBC light-heavyweight title) - Alberto Rossel WPTS12 Jose Zuniga (WBA interim light-flyweight title).

October 5: Anthony Joshua WKO1 Emanuele Leo (heavyweight) - Scott Quigg DPTS12 Yoandris Salinas (WBA super-bantamweight title) - Lee Selby WPTS12 Ryan Walsh (British and Commonwealth featherweight titles) - Kevin Mitchell WTKO6 Marco Lopez (light-welterweight) - Luke Campbell WTKO1 Neil Hepper (lightweight) - Wladimir Klitschko WPTS12 Alexander Povetkin (IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles).

October 12: Timothy Bradley WPTS12 Juan Manuel Marquez (WBO welterweight title) - Orlando Salido WKO7 Orlando Cruz (vacant WBO featherweight title) - Juan Carlos Reveco WTD8 Ricardo Nunez (WBA flyweight title).

October 19: Carl Frampton WKO6 Jeremy Parodi (European super-bantamweight title) - Ruslan Provodnikov WTKO11 Mike Alvarado (WBO light-welterweight) - Robert Stieglitz WPTS12 Isaac Ekpo (WBO super-middleweight title).

October 26: Kell Brook WRSF4 Vyacheslav Senchenko - Brian Rose WPTS12 Javier Maciel (WBO light-middleweight title eliminator) - Bernard Hopkins WPTS12 Karo Murat (IBF light-heavyweight title) - Peter Quillin WTKO10 Gabriel Rosado (WBO middleweight title).

November 2: Gennady Golovkin WRTD8 Curtis Stevens (WBA middleweight title).

November 8: Lee Haskins WPTS12 Jason Booth (British bantamweight title).

November 9: Mikey Garcia WKO8 Roman Martinez (WBO super-featherweight title) - Demetrius Andrade WPTS12 Vanes Martirosyan (vacant WBO light-middleweight title) - Nicholas Walters WTKO4 Alberto Garza (WBA featherweight title).

November 10: Shinsuke Yamanaka WKO9 Alberto Guevara (WBC bantamweight title) - Nonito Donaire WTKO9 Vic Darchinyan (featherweight).

November 14: Anthony Joshua WTKO2 Hrvoje Kisicek (heavyweight).

November 16: Andre Ward WPTS12 Edwin Rodriguez (WBA super-middleweight title) - James DeGale WPTS12 Dyah Davis (super-middleweight).

November 23: Carl Froch WTKO9 George Groves (WBA and IBF super-middleweight titles) - Scott Quigg WKO2 Diego Silva (WBA super-bantamweight title) - Manny Pacquiao WPTS12 Brandon Rios (welterweight).

November 30: Adonis Stevenson WTKO6 Tony Bellew (WBC light-heavyweight title) - Sergey Kovalev WKO2 Ismayl Sillakh (WBO light-heavyweight title) - Merlito Sabillo DPTS12 Carlos Buitrago (WBO strawweight title) - Donnie Nietes WKO3 Sammy Gutierrez (WBO light-flyweight title) - Dereck Chisora WRSF3 Ondrej Pala (European heavyweight title).

December 3: Daiki Kameda WPTS12 Liborio Solis (IBF and WBA super-flyweight titles) - Tomoki Kameda WPTS12 Immanuel Naidjala (IBF bantamweight title) - Katsunari Takayama WPTS12 Virgilio Silvano (IBF strawweight title).

December 6: Krzysztof Wlodarczyk WRTD6 Giacobbe Fragomeni (WBC cruiserweight title) - Simpiwe Vetyeka WRTD7 Chris John (WBA featherweight title).

December 7: Felix Sturm WTKO2 Darren Barker (IBF middleweight title) - Sakio Bika DPTS12 Anthony Dirrell (WBC super-middleweight title) - Shawn Porter WPTS12 Devon Alexander (IBF welterweight title) - Paulie Malignaggi WPTS12 Zab Judah (welterweight) - Guillermo Rigondeaux WPTS12 Joseph Agbeko (WBA and WBO super-bantamweight titles) - Liam Smith WRSF4 Mark Thompson (British light-middleweight title) - Enzo Maccarinelli WTKO7 Courtney Fry (Commonwealth cruiserweight title).

December 14: Marcos Maidana WPTS12 Adrien Broner (WBA welterweight title) - Leo Santa Cruz WPTS12 Cesar Seda (WBC super-bantamweight title) - Beibut Shumenov WRSF3 Tamas Kovacs (WBA light-heavyweight title) - Leonard Bundu WTKO12 Lee Purdy (European welterweight title) - Anthony Ogogo WPTS6 Dan Blackwell (middleweight).

December 21: Kiko Martinez WTKO9 Jeffrey Mathebula (IBF super-bantamweight title) - Stuart Hall WPTS12 Vusi Malinga (vacant IBF bantamweight title) - Frankie Gavin WPTS12 Joseph Lamptey (Commonwealth welterweight title).

December 31: Takashi Uchiyama WPTS12 Daiki Kaneko (WBA super-featherweight title) - Takashi Miura WTKO9 Dante Jardon (WBC super-featherweight title) - Kazuto Ioka WPTS12 Felix Alvarado (WBA light-flyweight title).

World Results 2014

Key: PTS = Points, TKO = Technical Knockout, KO = Knockout, RSF = Referee Stopped Fight, NC = No Contest, D = Draw, TD = Technical Decision, RTD = Retired.

January 3: Rances Barthelemy WKO2 Argenis Mendez (IBF super-featherweight title).

January 25: Mikey Garcia WPTS12 Juan Carlos Burgos (WBO super-featherweight title) - Lamont Peterson WPTS12 Dierry Jean (IBF light-welterweight title) - Marco Huck WTKO6 Firat Arslan (WBO cruiserweight title) - David Price WKO1 Istvan Ruzsinszky (heavyweight).

February 1: Gennady Golovkin WTKO7 Osumanu Adama (WBA middleweight title) - Lee Selby WTKO6 Rendall Munroe (British featherweight title) - Gary Buckland WPTS12 Gavin Rees (lightweight) - Anthony Joshua WKO2 Dorian Darch (heavyweight).

February 5: Oswaldo Novoa WRSF5 Xiong Zhao Zhong (WBC strawweight title).

February 8: Adrian Hernandez WTKO3 Janiel Rivera (WBC super-flyweight title).

February 15: Dereck Chisora WPTS12 Kevin Johnson (heavyweight) - Tyson Fury WKO4 Joey Abell (heavyweight) - Thomas Stalker WPTS6 Dan Carr (light-welterweight).

February 22: Miguel Vazquez WPTS12 Denis Shafikov (IBF lightweight title) - Curtis Woodhouse WPTS12 Darren Hamilton (British light-welterweight title) - Gavin McDonnell WTKO6 Leigh Wood (British super-bantamweight title) - Luke Campbell WRSF8 Scott Moises (lightweight) - Tony Conquest WPTS12 Daniel Ammann (Commonwealth cruiserweight title).

March 1: Terence Crawford WPTS12 Ricky Burns (WBO lightweight title) - Arthur Abraham WPTS12 Robert Stieglitz (WBO super-middleweight title) - Orlando Salido WPTS12 Vasyl Lomachenko (WBO featherweight title) - James DeGale WTKO11 Gevorg Khatchikian (super-middleweight).

March 8: Leo Santa Cruz WPTS12 Cristian Mijares (WBC super-bantamweight title) - Kevin Satchell WPTS12 Isaac Quaye (Commonwealth flyweight title).

March 15: Danny Garcia WPTS12 Mauricio Herrera (WBC and WBA light-welterweight titles) - Tony Bellew WTKO12 Valery Brudov (cruiserweight) - Kell Brook WTKO8 Alvaro Robles (light-middleweight).

March 21: Juan Carlos Reveco WTKO2 Manuel Vides (WBA flyweight title).

March 22: Francisco Rodriguez WKO10 Merlito Sabilo (WBO strawweight title) - Anselmo Moreno WPTS12 Javier Chacon (WBA bantamweight title) - Kid Galahad WPTS12 Sergio Prado (European super-bantamweight title).

March 26: Kohei Kono WTKO8 Denkaosen Kaovichit (WBA super-flyweight title).

March 29: Stuart Hall TD2 Martin Ward (IBF bantamweight title) - Frankie Gavin WPTS12 Sacky Shikukutu (Commonwealth welterweight title) - Jon Lewis Dickinson WRSF10 Neil Dawson (British cruiserweight title) - Sergey Kovalev WTKO7 Cedric Agnew (WBO light-heavyweight title).

April 4: Carl Frampton WKO2 Hugo Cazares (WBC super-bantamweight title eliminator).

April 5: Juergen Braehmer WTKO5 Enzo Maccarinelli (WBA light-heavyweight title).

April 6: Akira Yaegashi WTKO9 Odilon Zaleta (WBC flyweight title) - Naoya Inoue WTKO6 Adrian Hernandez (WBC light-flyweight title).

April 12: Manny Pacquiao WPTS12 Timothy Bradley (WBO welterweight title) - Jessie Vargas WPTS12 Khabib Allakhverdiev (WBA light-welterweight title).

April 19: Bernard Hopkins WPTS12 Beibut Shumenov (IBF and WBA light-heavyweight titles) - Shawn Porter WRSF4 Paulie Malignaggi (IBF welterweight title) - Peter Quillin WPTS12 Lukas Konecny (WBO middleweight title) - Scott Quigg WTKO2 Tshifiwa Munyai (WBA super-bantamweight title) - Anthony Crolla WTKO10 John Murray (lightweight).

April 23: Shinsuke Yamanaka WTKO9 Stephane Jamoye (WBC bantamweight title) - Kiko Martinez WTKO7 Hozumi Hasegawa (IBF super-bantamweight title).

April 26: Wladimir Klitschko WKO5 Alex Leapai (WBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight titles) - Keith Thurman WTKO3 Julio Diaz (WBA interim welterweight title) - Omar Figueroa WPTS12 Jerry Belmontes (WBC lightweight title) - Juan Francisco Estrada WRSF10 Richie Mepranum (WBA and WBO flyweight titles).

May 2: Jesus Cuellar WPTS12 Rico Ramos (WBA interim featherweight title).

May 3: Floyd Mayweather WPTS12 Marcos Maidana (WBC and WBA welterweight) - Amir Khan WPTS12 Luis Collazo (welterweight) - Adrien Broner WPTS10 Carlos Molina (light-welterweight) - Anthony Ogogo WTKO3 Jonel Tapia (middleweight) - John Reil Casimero WKO1 Mauricio Fuentes (IBF light-flyweight title).

May 7: Amnat Ruenroeng WPTS12 Kazuto Ioka (IBF flyweight title) - Katsunari Takayama WPTS12 Shin Ono (IBF strawweight title).

May 10: Kid Galahad WTKO4 Fred Mundraby (vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight title) - Derry Mathews WPTS12 Martin Gethin (British lightweight title) - Chris Eubank Jr WTKO7 Robert Swierzbinski (middleweight) - Bermane Stiverne WTKO6 Chris Arreola (vacant WBC heavyweight title) - Donnie Nietes WTKO9 Moises Fuentes (WBO light-flyweight title).

May 17: Lee Selby WPTS12 Romulu Koasicha (WBC featherweight title eliminator) - Nathan Cleverly WTKO2 Sean Corbin (cruiserweight) - Gavin Rees WPTS12 Gary Buckland (lightweight) - Callum Smith WTKO2 Tobias Webb (super-middleweight) - Omar Narvaez WTKO5 Antonio Garcia (WBO super-featherweight title).

May 21: Kal Yafai WTKO3 Yaqub Kareem (Commonwealth super-flyweight title) - Josh Warrington WPTS12 Martin Lindsay (Commonwealth featherweight title) - Gavin McDonnell WPTS12 Josh Wale (British super-bantamweight title).

May 24: Adonis Stevenson WPTS12 Andrzej Fonfara (WBC light-heavyweight title) - Jhonny Gonzalez WTKO10 Clive Atwell (WBC featherweight title) - David Sanchez WPTS12 Breilor Teran (WBA super-featherweight title).

May 31: Carl Froch WKO8 George Groves (IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles) - James DeGale WRSF4 Brandon Gonzales (IBF super-middleweight eliminator) - Jamie McDonnell TKO10 Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat (WBA bantamweight title) - Anthony Joshua WKO1 Matt Legg - Nonito Donaire WTD4 Simpiwe Vetyeka (WBA ‘super’ featherweight title) - Nicholas Walters WTKO5 Vic Darchinyan by fifth-round knockout (WBA featherweight title) - Evgeny Gradovich WPTS12 Alexander Miskirtchian (IBF featherweight title) - Sam Soliman WPTS12 Felix Sturm (IBF middleweight title) - Carlos Cuadras WTD8 Srisaket Sor Rungvisai by technical decision (WBC super-flyweight title).

June 7: Miguel Cotto WTKO10 Sergio Martinez (WBC middleweight title) - Paul Butler WPTS12 Stuart Hall (IBF bantamweight title).

June 14: Chris Algieri WPTS12 Ruslan Provodnikov (WBO light-welterweight title) - Demetrius Andrade WTKO7 Brian Rose (WBO light-middleweight title).

June 21: Vasyl Lomachenko WPTS12 Gary Russell Jr (vacant WBO featherweight title) - Martin Murray WPTS12 Max Bursak (middleweight) - Hekkie Budler WKO8 Pigmy Kokietgym (WBO strawweight title).

June 27: Dejan Zlaticanin WPTS12 Ricky Burns (WBC international lightweight title) - Willie Limond WPTS12 Curtis Woodhouse (British and Commonwealth light-welterweight titles).

June 28: Terence Crawford WTKO9 Yuriorkis Gamboa (WBO lightweight title).

July 6: Ruslan Chagaev WPTS12 Fres Oquendo (vacant WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight).

July 10: Rances Barthelemy WPTS12 Argenis Mendez (IBF super-featherweight title).

July 12: Saul Alvarez WPTS12 Erislandy Lara (non-title light-middleweight) - Tomoki Kameda WKO7 Pungluang Sor Singyu (WBO bantamweight title) - Nathan Cleverly WKO4 Alejandro Emilio Valori (cruiserweight) - Tony Bellew WKO5 Julio Cesar dos Santos (cruiserweight) - Callum Smith WPTS12 Vladine Biosse (WBC international super-middleweight title) - Rocky Fielding WKO5 Noe Gonzalez (WBC inter-continental super-middleweight) - Anthony Joshua WKO2 Matt Skelton (heavyweight) - Anthony Ogogo WKO5 Wayne Reed (middleweight) - Luke Campbell WPTS6 Craig Woodruff (lightweight) - Richard Commey WPTS12 Gary Buckland (vacant Commonwealth lightweight).

July 19: Guillermo Rigondeaux WKO1 Sod Kokietgym (WBA and WBO super-bantamweight titles).

July 26: Billy Joe Saunders WTKO8 Emanuele Blandamura (vacant European middleweight title).

Irish Boxers’ Records As of August 2014: Compiled and Supplied by Gerry Callan

Once again we pay homage to our good friend Gerry Callan of the Irish Daily Star who has provided us with the complete records of Irish boxers. Even though Gerry sent across a full list of boxers’ records, this is an abridged version as some fringe records have been omitted for brevity.

“Because boxers can have extended periods of inactivity for all sorts of reasons, anyone who fought since the start of 2012 is included. Also included are foreign born fighters who have fought for - or are eligible to fight for - an Irish title under the Boxing Union of Ireland's parentage rules, as well as Irish-based non-nationals” – G C.

Debutants 2013:

Joe Duffy: March 2.

Philip Sutcliffe: March 9.

Willie Mitchell: March 9.

Cian Dalton: March 30.

Luke Keeler: May 3.

Jamie Kennedy: May 14.

Liam Finn: May 14.

Ryan Burnett: May 24.

Steve Collins Jnr: July 12.

Paul Upton: July 27.

Jake Hanney: August 17.

Darragh Foley: August 30.

Tony Senior: October 12.

Anthony Upton: October 18.

Ryan Peake: November 2.

Mark Morris: November 9.

Sonny Upton: November 16.

Alec Bazza - December 7.

Ciaran McVarnock: December 7.

Toby Bermueller: December 7.

Debutants 2014:

David Maguire: February 15.

Conrad Cummings: February 22.

John Joe Nevin: March 17.

Casey Blair: March 21.

Anthony Connolly: March 22.

Declan Geraghty: May 9.

Paul Hyland Jnr: May 10.

Derek Potter: May 10.

Tommy McCarthy: May 24.

Ciaran Bates: June 6.

Eamonn Magee Jnr: June 6.

Sean Turner: June 14.

Jason Quigley: July 12.

•••

Ciaran BATES

Light-welterweight Born: Dublin: 5 November, 1985. Irish light-welterweight runner-up 2007 (John Joe Joyce).

2014: June 5 Mihaly Szalontai, Belfast RSF 1

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Tony BATES

Light-welterweight Born: Dublin, 28 February, 1988. Based in Australia.

2011: July 29 Jason Mac Gura, Homebush PTS 4; Aug 28 Matt Bune, Hurstville RSF 3; Oct 15 Troy Glover, Campsie RSF 2

2012: Mar 2 Jake Moulden, Mansfield PTS 4; Apr 6 Matthew Seden, Campsie RSF 3; July 13 Manopnoi Singmanasak, Campsie RSF 3

2013: Feb 23 Kurt Finlayson, Caloundra T-DRAW 1; June 13 Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat, Campsie RSF 2; Aug 30 EakKhunphol Mor Krungthepthonburi, Hurstville KO 3

2014: Mar 15 Eakkreenkrai Mor Krungthepthonburi, Kensington RSF 3

FIGHTS: 10 WON: 9 DREW: 1 LOST: 0

Alec BAZZA

Super-featherweight Born: Belfast, 4 August, 1988.

2013: Dec 7 Craig Hardy, London DREW 4

2014: Mar 8 Michael Devine, London L-PTS 4; Mar 21 Anthony Upton, Belfast L-RSF 4; May 10 James Fryers, Belfast L-PTS 4; June 14 Kofi Yates, Belfast L-PTS 4

FIGHTS: 5 WON: O DREW: 1 LOST: 4

Karl BRABAZON

Light-middleweight Born: Dublin, 9 December, 1980. Irish welterweight champion 2005 (Oisin Kelly); Four Nations Championships welterweight gold medallist, Liverpool, 2005; Multi-Nations tournament welterweight bronze medallist, Liverpool, 2005; Irish welterweight runner-up 2011 (Adam Nolan).

2012: July 14 Janis Cernouskis, London L-RSF 2

2013: May 3 Mihaly Voros, Dublin RSF 1; Nov 2 Liam Finn, Dublin RSF 1

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 3 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Toby BERMUELLER

Light-heavyweight Born: Cork, 11 November, 1986. Based in Australia.

2013: Dec 6 Jack Nikich, Northbridge L-PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 0 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Casey BLAIR

Light-middleweight Born: Bangor, 18 November, 1979.

2014: Mar 21 Billy Campbell, Belfast PTS 4; June 14 Liam Griffiths, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Ryan BURNETT

Bantamweight Born: Belfast, 21 May, 1992. Agalarov Youth Memorial tournament light-flyweight bronze medallist, Baku, 2009; Irish Under-21 light-flyweight champion, 2009;
World Youth Championships light-flyweight silver medallist, Baku, 2010; Youth Olympic Games light-flyweight gold medallist, Singapore, 2010.

2013: May 24 Laszlo Nemesapati Jnr, Liverpool KO 1; June 28 Elemir Rafael, Belfast RSF 2; Oct 19 Reynaldo Cajina, Belfast RSF 2; Nov 16 Sergio Perez, Vratsa, Bulgaria PTS 6

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 4 WON: 4 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Dean BYRNE

Welterweight Born: Dublin, 11 September, 1984. Based in Sydney until late 2007, then Los Angeles, now London.

2006: Feb 18 Ronie Oyan, South Windsor RSF 2; May 12 Robert Oyan, Sydney PTS 6; Aug 4 Robert Oyan, Sydney PTS 6; Oct 21 Arnel Porras, Sydney T-PTS 5 (For vacant New South Wales light-welterweight title)

2007: Mar 9 Chris McCullen, Brisbane PTS 10 (Australian light-welterweight title challenge); May 27 Brad Crookey, Sydney PTS 10 (Australian light-welterweight title defence)

2008: May 23 Michaelangelo Lynks, Montebello, California RSF 1; Aug 2 Daniel Gonzalez, Tacoma, Washington PTS 6; Sep 19 Geoffrey Spruiell, Woodland Hills, California KO 2; Dec 20 Francisco Rios Gil, Los Angeles RSF 4

2009: May 1 Jose Reynoso, Las Vegas PTS 8

2010: May 14 Justo Sanchez, Santa Ynez RSF 5; Aug 7 Konstantins Sakara, Dublin RSF 4; Dec 10 Sergejs Volodins, Dublin PTS 6

2011: Oct 21 Michael Frontin, London PTS 8; Oct 28 Frank Haroche Horta, Manchester L-RTD 8

2012: Apr 28 Terry Holmes, London L-PTS 6; Sep 15 Kevin McCauley, London PTS 4; Dec 8 Carson Jones, London DREW 8

2013: July 5 Danny Little, London PTS 6

2014: Feb 1 Roman Belaev, Monte Carlo L-PTS 12 (For vacant WBA Continental welterweight title); Apr 5 Mark Douglas, London L-PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament)

FIGHTS: 22 WON: 17 DREW: 1 LOST: 4

Anthony CACACE

Lightweight Born: Belfast, 2 February, 1989. Four Nations Junior Championships lightweight gold medallist, Liverpool, 2006; Dan Pozniak Junior Cup gold medallist, Vilnius, 2007;

Irish Under-19 lightweight champion 2007 (Jamie Kavanagh); Ulster lightweight champion 2008 (Stephen Donnelly); Irish lightweight runner-up 2008 (Ross Hickey); Arfura Games lightweight bronze medallist, Darwin, 2009; Ulster lightweight champion 2009 (Eamon Finnegan).

2012: Feb 25 Ben Wager, Belfast RSF 1; Apr 7 Kristian Laight, Newark PTS 4; July 21 Mickey Coveney, Belfast RSF 6; Sep 7 Aivaras Balsys, London PTS 8; Nov 3 Mickey Coveney, Dublin KO 1 (For vacant Irish super-featherweight title); Dec 8 Youssef Al Hamidi, Edinburgh PTS 4

2013: Mar 9 Zsolt Nagy, Dundalk PTS 6; Oct 12 Osnel Charles, Philadelphia PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 8 WON: 8 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Conall CARMICHAEL

Cruiserweight Born: Belfast, 1 April, 1979. Irish middleweight champion 1999 (Ian Tims); Irish middleweight runner-up 2001 (Kenny Egan); Irish light-heavyweight runner-up 2003 (Kenny Egan).

2012: Apr 14 Moses Matovu, Belfast PTS 4; Apr 27 Paul Morris, Belfast PTS 4; Dec 1 Darren Corbett, Belfast RSF 1

2013: Apr 27 Courtney Owen, Belfast RTD 4; May 18 Hari Miles, London L-PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament)

2014: June 20 Moses Matovu, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 6 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Jonathan ‘Jono’ CARROLL

Super-featherweight Born: Dublin, 12 April, 1992. Based in Australia.

2012: Dec 16 Matthew Seden, Perth PTS 4

2013: Dec 7 Pornchai Sithpajuk, Madeley KO 2

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Willie CASEY

Super-bantamweight Born: Limerick, 20 December, 1981.

2008: Oct 26 Carlos De Jesus, Killarney RSF 2

2009: Oct 24 Stoyan Serbezov, Dublin PTS 6; Nov 14 Michael O’Gara, Limerick RSF 6

2010: Feb 13 Fernando Guevara, Dublin RSF 1; Apr 8 Tyson Cave, Toronto RSF 8; May 29 Mark Moran, London RSF 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); May 29 Josh Wale, London PTS 3 (Semi-final of Prizefighter tournament); May 29 Paul McElhinney, London PTS 3 (Final of Prizefighter tournament); June 26 Faycal Messaoudene, Cork RSF 5; Aug 7 Emiliano Salvani, Dublin PTS 8; Nov 6 Paul Hyland, Limerick RSF 4 (For vacant European super-bantamweight title)

2011: Mar 19 Guillermo Rigondeaux, Dublin L-RSF 1 (Interim WBA super-bantamweight title challenge); Sep 17 Daniel Kodjo Sassou, Belfast RSF 8

2012: Feb 25 David Kanalas, Belfast RSF 1; Apr 21 Andreas Evensen, Frederikshavn, Denmark L-PTS 12 (For vacant WBA International featherweight title); July 16 Jason Booth, Sunderland PTS 12
(For vacant WBO Inter-Continental super-bantamweight title)

2013: Oct 19 Marco McCullough, Belfast L-RSF 9 (For vacant Irish featherweight title)

2014: June 20 Krzysztof Rogowski, Belfast PTS 6

FIGHTS: 18 WON: 15 DREW: 0 LOST: 3

Steve COLLINS JNR

Cruiserweight Born: Dublin, 27 March, 1990.

2013: July 12 Tommy Tolan, Dundalk PTS 4; July 20 Paul Morris, London PTS 4; Sep 20 Rolandas Cesna, London PTS 4

2014: Feb 15 Tommy Gifford, London DREW 4

FIGHTS: 4 WON: 3 DREW: 1 LOST: 0

Jamie CONLAN

Super-flyweight Born: Belfast, 11 October, 1986. Four Nations Junior Championships light-flyweight gold medallist, Liverpool, 2003; Four Nations Championships light-flyweight silver medallist, Glasgow, 2004; Irish Under-21 flyweight champion 2006 (Gary McDonagh); Ulster flyweight champion 2008 (Ruairi Dalton); Ulster flyweight runner-up 2009 (conceded walkover to his brother, Michael).

2009: Nov 6 Anwar Alfadi, Belfast PTS 4

2010: Feb 13 Itsko Vaselinov, Dublin RSF 5; June 11 Delroy Spencer, Belfast PTS 4; Sep 18 Hyusein Hyuseinov, Belfast RSF 3; Dec 3 Francis Croes, Belfast RTD 3

2011: May 13 Kyle King, Gillingham KO 3; June 25 Delroy Spencer, Craigavon PTS 6

2012: Jan 21 Elemir Rafael, Liverpool PTS 6

2013: Feb 9 Mike Robinson, Belfast RSF 10; Oct 19 Walter Rojas, Belfast RSF 1

2014: Apr 4 Benjamin Smoes, Belfast RSF 7 (For vacant WBO European super flyweight title); June 20 Gabor Molnar, Belfast RSF 3 (WBO European super flyweight title defence)

FIGHTS: 12 WON: 12 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Anthony CONNOLLY

Strawweight Born: Dublin, 22 November, 1984. Based in Perth.

2014: Mar 22 Payak Sithpajuk, Madeley RSF 1

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Henry COYLE

Light-middleweight Born: Geesala, 8 July, 1981. Welterweight bronze medallist, World Military Championships, The Curragh, 2002; Irish welterweight champion 2004 (James Moore); Welterweight gold medallist, World Military Championships, Pretoria, 2005. Based in Chicago.

2007: Mar 16 Jason Collazo, New York KO 1; May 18 Samuel Ortiz Gomez, New York RSF 1; June 20 Omar Bell, New York L-RSF 1; Sep 14 Robert Kimbrough, New York RSF 1; Nov 16 Guy Packer, Cicero RSF 1

2008: Jan 31 Chris Cook, North Charleston RSF 3; Feb 26 Rashaan Abdul Blackburn, Indianapolis RSF 5; May 9 Ben Aragon, Cicero RSF 3; Aug 2 Alan Moore, Gary KO 1; Nov 15 Sergejs Savrinovics, Castlebar PTS 8

2009: Mar 27 Dave Saunders, Chicago RSF 2; May 15 Neil Sinclair, Belfast L-RSF 3 (For vacant Irish light-middleweight title)

2010: May 29 Marcus Luck, Hammond, Indiana RSF 2; Oct 2 Mustafah Johnson, Hammond, Indiana PTS 6; Nov 20 Sandor Ramocsa, Castlebar PTS 8

2011: Apr 9 William Prieto, Hammond, Indiana RSF 6; May 18 Keith Collins, Rosemont RSF 2

Aug 12 Elio Cotena, Castlebar RSF 5 (For vacant World Boxing Foundation light-middleweight title)

2012: June 21 Damon Antoine, Elk Grove, Illinois PTS 8; Aug 17 Marcelo Alejandro Rodriguez, Castlebar PTS 12 (World Boxing Foundation light-middleweight title defence)

2013: Dec 6 Skyler Thompson, Chicago PTS 6

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 21 WON: 19 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Ryan COYNE

Cruiserweight Born: St. Charles, Missouri, 8 July, 1982.

2006: Mar 23 Norman Rush, St. Charles NO-CON 3; May 5 Joshua Anderson, St. Charles KO 1; June 29 Dana McGregor, St. Charles PTS 4

2007: Feb 22 Montrail Ross, St. Charles KO 1; May 11 Shaba Bahati, St. Louis PTS 4; Aug 3 Sheridan Page, St. Charles PTS 4; Nov 10 Mike Word, St. Louis PTS 6

2008: Jan 11 Leo Pla, St. Louis PTS 6; Mar 8 Larry Carter, St. Louis PTS 6; Aug 22 Philip Jewel, St. Louis RSF 4

2009: Jan 21 Tim Flamos, Singapore PTS 5; Feb 25 Richard Gingras, Mashantucket PTS 6; June 13 Kevin Bookout, St. Louis RSF 4; Aug 22 Larry Jarrett, St. Louis PTS 6

2010: Mar 6 Paul Jennette, Uncasville PTS 8; Aug 7 Warren Browning, St. Louis KO 9 (For vacant WBC United States cruiserweight title); Oct 9 Shane Steele, St. Louis RSF 2

2011: June 25 David McNemar, St. Charles PTS 12 (WBC United States cruiserweight title defence; also for vacant WBA Fedelatin title); Oct 15 Jonathan Corn, Springfield RSF 1; Dec 10 Dante Craig, Atlanta RSF 2

2012: May 25 Julius Fogle, St. Charles PTS 8; Sep 22 Peter Vecesi, Sheffield RSF 1

2013: Apr 12 Marcus Oliveira, Las Vegas L-RSF 11; Dec 14 Lionell Thompson, Atlantic City L-PTS 10

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 24 WON: 21 DREW: 0 NO-CON: 1 LOST: 2

Darren CRUISE

Light-heavyweight Born: Castlerea, 26 January, 1990. European Schoolboys Championships silver medallist, Siofok, 2004; Irish Under-19 super-heavyweight champion 2008 (John Stokes).

2010: Aug 7 James Tucker, Dublin PTS 4; Nov 20 Zahir Mutafchiev, Castlebar PTS 4

2011: Jan 30 Mickey Doherty, Dublin PTS 4; Aug 12 Lee Murtagh, Castlebar L-PTS 4

2012: May 5 JJ McDonagh, Belfast L-PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); Aug 17 John Hutchinson, Castlebar L-PTS 6

2013: Inactive

2014: Feb 15 Robbie Long, Dublin NO-CON 2

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 3 DREW: 0 NO-CON: 1 LOST: 3

Conrad CUMMINGS

Middleweight Born: Coalisland, 24 May, 1991.

2014: Feb 22 Andrejs Loginovs, London PTS 4; Apr 4 Zahari Mutafchiev, Belfast RSF 3; June 20 Lajos Munkacsi, Belfast RSF 2

FIGHTS: 3 WON: 3 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Cian DALTON

Light-heavyweight Born: Ennis, 16 December, 1983. Based in Pittsburgh.

2013: Mar 30 Rick Pressley, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania RSF 2; May 25 Delvery Wofford, Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania PTS 4; Aug 3 James Robinson, Pittsburgh DREW 4; Dec 13 David White, Weirton, West Virginia RSF 1

2014: July 26 Lawrence Blakey, Washington, Pennsylvania PTS 4

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 4 DREW: 1 LOST: 0

TJ (Terry) DOHENY

Super-bantamweight Born: Portlaoise, 2 November, 1986. Four Nations Junior Championships flyweight gold medallist, Liverpool 2003; Irish Junior flyweight champion 2003 (Barry McCafferty); Six Nations Junior Tournament flyweight gold medallist, Rome, 2004; Four Nations Junior Championships, flyweight silver medallist, Aberavon, 2004; Irish flyweight runner-up 2006 (Conor Ahern); Irish bantamweight runner-up 2008 (John Joe Nevin). Based in Australia.

2012: Apr 27 Pichit Sithkruwin, Hurtsville RSF 1; June 22 Chris Potter, Hurstville KO 1; Sep 14 Robert Oyan, Brisbane PTS 6

2013: Feb 22 Kongfah Signwancha, Hurstville RSF 3; Aug 17 James Mokoginta, Sawtell KO 9 (For vacant PABA super bantamweight title); Dec 13 Dianever Orcales, Homebush PTS 12 (PABA super bantamweight title defence)

2014: Mar 15 Kaenpetch Manoprungroj, Kensington KO 3 (PABA super bantamweight title defence)

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 7 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Alan DONNELLAN

Light-middleweight Born: Athenry, 28 November, 1987.

2010: May 15 Ryan Clark, Limerick PTS 4; Aug 7 Lester Walsh, Dublin PTS 4; Nov 6 Zahari Mutafchiev, Limerick PTS 4

2011: Inactive

2012: Mar 31 Vladimir Tazik, Seilles, Belgium RSF 1; July 21 Ciaran Healy, Belfast L-PTS 4; Oct 13 Marijan Markovic, Andenne, Belgium RSF 2

2013: May 11 Antoine Manuel, Saint Servais, Belgium L-PTS 4; Nov 2 Vitalie Mirza, Dublin L-PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 8 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 3

Oisin FAGAN

Lightweight Born: Dublin, 24 December, 1973.

2003: Feb 18 Shelton Mosely, Oklahoma City RSF 4; May 13 Jason Varnell, Oklahoma City RSF 1; June 28 Joe Jiles, Oklahoma City RSF 2; July 25 Isaac Mendoza, Tulsa L-RSF 4; Nov 14 Shelton Mosely, Oklahoma City PTS 4

2004: Feb 6 Levi Shearbern, Oklahoma City RSF 2; Feb 28 Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, Las Vegas L-PTS 4; Mar 12 Ken Manuel, Oklahoma City RSF 2; Oct 5 Derrick Moon, Oklahoma City L-PTS 4; Dec 10 Lee Cargle, Oklahoma City PTS 6 (For vacant Oklahoma lightweight title)

2005: Apr 15 Sheldon Mosley, Oklahoma City PTS 4; Oct 14 Richie Scifo, Dublin RSF 1

2006: Jan 14 John Huskey, Wichita KO 2; Feb 4 Donald Cairns, Russelville PTS 4; Feb 25 Donald Cairns, Oklahoma City PTS 4; Mar 4 Steve Mincks, Wichita PTS 8; Apr 27 Steve Mincks, Tulsa PTS 8; May 6 Andrew Hartley, Oklahoma City RSF 1; June 3 Jeff Thomas, Dublin RSF 7 (For vacant Irish light-welterweight title)

2007: Jan 26 Brian Paul, Tulsa KO 2; Mar 9 Paul Spadafora, Mount Pleasant L-PTS 10; May 17 Josh Hammock, Wichita KO 1; June 23 Chill John, Dublin PTS 8; Sep 15 Jason Varnell, Fort Smith RSF 4; Dec 30 Verquan Kimbrough, Chester, West Virginia L-PTS 12 (For vacant United States lightweight title)

2008: Mar 15 Brian Carden, New York RSF 2; July 12 Konstantins Sakara, Dublin PTS 6; Dec 6 Amir Khan, London L-RSF 2

2009: May 23 Asen Vasilev, Castlebar RSF 5; July 25 Eddie Hyland, Dublin L-PTS 12 (For vacant IBF International super-featherweight title); Sep 26 Juris Ivanovs, Dublin RSF 2; Oct 24 Johnny Greaves, Dublin PTS 6

2010: Feb 13 Andy Murray, Dublin L-RSF 5 (Irish lightweight title challenge)

2011: Jan 30 Karoly Lakatos, Dublin PTS 6

2012: Inactive

2013: Sep 14 Andis Didzus, Belfast RSF 2

2014: Apr 12 Chris Goodwin, Chester L-PTS 12 (For vacant WBF Intercontinental lightweight title)

FIGHTS: 36 WON: 27 DREW: 0 LOST: 9

Liam FINN

Light-welterweight Born: Knock, 15 May, 1993.

2013: May 14 Philip Sutcliffe, Belfast L-RSF 2; Nov 2 Karl Brabazon, Dublin L-RSF 1

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 0 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Anthony FITZGERALD

Middleweight Born: Dublin, 8 June, 1985.

2008: Oct 26 Kirill Pshonko, Killarney PTS 4

2009: Jan 30 Robert Long, Dublin L-PTS 6; Mar 21 Janis Chernouskis, Dublin L-RSF 3; May 23 Denis Sirjatovs, Castlebar KO 2; July 25 Peter Cannon, Dublin RSF 3; Sep 26 Tadas Jonkus, Dublin PTS 4; Oct 24 Robert Long, Dublin PTS 8; Dec 5 Matt Scriven, Dublin PTS 8

2010: Feb 13 Ciaran Healy, Dublin PTS 10; (For vacant Irish super-middleweight title); Aug 7 Phillip Townley, Dublin PTS 6; Sep 11 Robert Long, Dublin PTS 10 (Irish super-middleweight title defence); Nov 6 Lee Murtagh, Limerick NO-CON 2 (Irish super-middleweight title defence); Dec 10 Kevin Hammond, Dublin PTS 12 (For vacant WBF Inter-Continental middleweight title)

2011: Jan 30 Lee Murtagh, Dublin RSF 7; (Irish super-middleweight title defence); Mar 19 Affif Belghecham, Dublin RSF 4 (For vacant EBA middleweight title)

2012: Feb 25 Alexey Ribchev, Hove PTS 8; May 5 Eamonn O’Kane, Belfast L-PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament)

2013: Feb 9 Andy Lee, Belfast L-PTS 10; Mar 9 Lazlo Haaz, Dundalk PTS 6; July 12 Eamonn O’Kane, Dundalk L-PTS 10 (For vacant Irish middleweight title); Dec 14 Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam, Barcelona L-PTS 10

2014: June 14 Dan Blackwell, Belfast PTS 6; July 12 Harry Matthews, Birmingham PTS 4

FIGHTS: 23 WON: 16 DREW: 0 NO-CON: 1 LOST: 6

Brendan FITZPATRICK

Super-middleweight Born: Dublin, 7 March, 1984.

2010: Sep 11 Mariusz Radziszewski, Dublin RSF 2; Oct 2 Zahari Mutafchiev, Letterkenny PTS 6; Nov 6 Kirilas Psonko, Limerick PTS 6

2011: June 25 Ciaran Healy, Dublin L-KO 1

2012: Aug 18 John Waldron, Castlebar RSF 3; Sep 8 Paul Morby, Belfast PTS 4; Nov 3 Joe Rea, Dublin RSF 1 (For vacant Celtic Warrior super-middleweight title)

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 6 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Carl FRAMPTON

Super-bantamweight Born: Belfast, 21 February, 1987. European Schoolboys Championships silver medallist, Rome, 2003; Four Nations Junior Championships flyweight gold medallist, Aberavon, 2004; Irish flyweight champion 2005 (Derek Thorpe); Four Nations Championships flyweight bronze medallist, Liverpool, 2005; Commonwealth Championships flyweight bronze medallist, Glasgow, 2005; IABA multi-nations tournament flyweight gold medallist, Ballybunion, 2005; Gee-Bee tournament flyweight silver medallist, Helsinki, 2006; European Union Championships featherweight silver medallist, Dublin, 2007; Ulster featherweight champion 2008 (Eamon Finnegan); Irish featherweight champion 2009 (David Oliver Joyce); Ahmet Comert tournament featherweight gold medallist, Istanbul, 2009; Grand Prix tournament featherweight bronze medallist, Usti, 2009.

2009: June 12 Sandor Szinavel, Liverpool RSF 2; Sep 4 Yannis Lakrout, Middlesbrough PTS 4; Nov 6 Ignac Kassai, Magherafelt RSF 3

2010: Feb 12 Yoan Boyeaux, London PTS 4; Mar 5 Istvan Szabo, Huddersfield RSF 1; June 11 Ian Bailey, Belfast PTS 6; Sep 18 Yuriy Voronin, Belfast RSF 3; Dec 3 Gavin Reid, Belfast RSF 2 (For vacant Celtic super-bantamweight title)

2011: Mar 5 Oscar Chacin, Huddersfield RSF 4; June 4 Robbie Turley, Cardiff PTS 10 (Celtic super-bantamweight title defence); Sep 10 Mark Quon, Belfast RSF 4 (For vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight title)

2012: Jan 28 Kris Hughes, London RSF 7 (Commonwealth super-bantamweight title defence); Mar 17 Prosper Ankrah, Sheffied RSF 2 (Commonwealth super-bantamweight title defence); May 26 Raul Hirales, Nottingham PTS 12 (For vacant IBF Inter-Continental super-bantamweight title); Sep 22 Steve Molitor, Belfast RSF 6 (Commonwealth and IBF Inter-Continental super-bantamweight titles)

2013: Feb 9 Kiko Martinez, Belfast RSF 9 (European super-bantamweight title challenge); Oct 19 Jeremy Parodi, Belfast KO 6 (European super-bantamweight title defence)

2014: Apr 4 Hugo Fidel Cazares, Belfast KO 2

FIGHTS: 18 WON: 18 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

James FRYERS

Light-welterweight Born: Belfast, 21 October, 1992. HSK Cadet Box Cup bantamweight gold medallist, Hillerod, 2007; Irish Youth featherweight champion 2009 (John O’Neill); Irish featherweight runner-up 2010 (Tyrone McCullough); Ulster lightweight champion 2012 (James Tennyson, staged in December 2011).

2012: Nov 27 Kristian Laight, London PTS 4

2013: Feb 9 Billy Smith, Belfast PTS 4

2014: Mar 15 Michael Mooney, Reading PTS 4; May 10 Alec Bazza, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 4 WON: 4 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Hughie FURY

Heavyweight Born: Stockport, 18 September, 1994. British Youth Championships heavyweight silver medallist, Liverpool 2012; World Youth Championships super-heavyweight gold medallist, Erevan, 2012.

2013: Mar 22 David Whittam, Montreal RSF 4; Apr 20 Alex Rozman, New York RSF 1; May 14 Moses Matovu, Belfast PTS 4; May 24 Janos Finfera, Timisoara, Romania RSF 2; June 8 Ladislav Kovarik, Bluewater RSF 1; June 15 Tomas Mrazek, Norwich PTS 6; July 12 Ivica Perkovic, Dundalk RTD 5; July 21 Moses Matovu, Milton Keynes PTS 4; Sep 14 Shane McPhilbin, Rotherham RTD 1; Sep 29 Dorian Darch, London PTS 6; Oct 13 Hrvoje Kisicek, Whitwick PTS 6; Nov 8 David Gegeshidze, Bristol RSF 4

2014: Feb 15 Matthew Greer, London RSF 2; May 10 Danny Hughes, Sheffield PTS 8

FIGHTS: 14 WON: 14 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Tyson FURY

Heavyweight Born: Manchester, 1 June, 1988. Chemnitz City Junior Cup super-heavyweight gold medallist 2006; World Junior Championships super-heavyweight bronze medallist, Agadir, 2006; Donbass Junior Cup super-heavyweight silver medallist, Donetsk, 2007; European Junior Championships super-heavyweight silver medallist, Sombor, 2007; European Union Junior Championships super-heavyweight gold medallist, Warsaw, 2007; English super-heavyweight champion 2008 (Damien Campbell, beat Shane McPhilbin in semi-final).

2008: Dec 6 Bela Gyongyosi, Nottingham RSF 1

2009: Jan 17 Marcel Zeller, Wigan RSF 3; Feb 28 Daniil Peretyatko, Norwich RTD 2; Mar 14 Lee Swaby, Birmingham RTD 4; Apr 11 Matthew Ellis, London KO 1; May 23 Scott Belshaw, Watford RSF 2; July 18 Aleksandrs Selezens, London RSF 3; Sep 11 John McDermott, Brentwood PTS 10 (English heavyweight title challenge); Sep 26 Tomas Mrazek, Dublin PTS 6

2010: Mar 5 Hans-Joerg Blasko, Huddersfield RSF 1; June 25 John McDermott, Brentwood RSF 9 (For vacant English heavyweight title); Sep 10 Rich Power, London PTS 8; Dec 18 Zack Page, Quebec City PTS 8

2011: Feb 19 Marcelo Luiz Nascimento, London KO 5; July 23 Dereck Chisora, London PTS 12 (British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles challenge); Sep 17 Nicolai Firtha, Belfast RSF 5, Nov 12 Neven Pajkic, Manchester RSF 3 (Commonwealth heavyweight title defence)

2012: Apr 14 Martin Rogan, Belfast RSF 5 (For vacant Irish heavyweight title); July 7 Vinnie Maddalone, Clevedon RSF 5; Dec 1 Kevin Johnson, Belfast PTS 12

2013: Apr 20 Steve Cunningham, New York KO 7

2014: Feb 15 Joey Abell. London RSF 4

FIGHTS: 22 WON: 22 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Paddy GALLAGHER

Welterweight Born: Belfast, 9 April, 1989. Ulster light-welterweight runner-up 2008 (Paddy Murphy); Ulster light-welterweight runner-up 2009 (Stephen Donnelly); Irish Under-21 light-welterweight champion (Sonny Upton); Commonwealth Games welterweight gold medallist, New Delhi, 2010.

2012: Sep 22 William Warburton, Belfast PTS 4; Nov 27 Andrew Patterson, London RSF 1

2013: Sep 14 Jozsef Garai, Belfast RSF 1; Nov 18 Aleksas Vaseris, London RSF 1

2014: Apr 5 Erick Ochieng, London L-PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament; Gallagher was reinstated when Ochieng was ruled unfit to fit again on the night); Apr 5 Mark Douglas, London RSF 1 (Semi-final of Prizefighter tournament); Apr 5 Johnny Coyle, London L-PTS 3 (Final of Prizefighter tournament)

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Frankie GAVIN

Welterweight Born: Birmingham, 28 September, 1985. Junior Olympic Tournament flyweight gold medallist, Marquette, 2002; Brandenburg Junior Cup featherweight bronze medallist, Frankfurt, 2003; European Junior Championships featherweight bronze medallist, Warsaw, 2003; English lightweight champion 2005 (Steve Turner); Commonwealth Championships lightweight gold medallist, Glasgow, 2005; European Union Championships lightweight bronze medallist, Cagliari, 2005; Commonwealth Games lightweight gold medallist, Melbourne, 2006; English lightweight champion 2007 (Thomas Stalker, staged in December 2006); International Tournament light-welterweight gold medallist, Minsk, 2007; World Championships lightweight gold medallist, Chicago, 2007; European Union Championships light-welterweight gold medallist, Cetniewo, 2008.

2009: Feb 28 George Kadaria, Birmingham RSF 4; May 15 Mourad Frarema, Belfast RSF 3; July 18 Graham Fearn, Manchester RSF 2; Oct 30 Steve Saville, Liverpool RSF 2; Dec 5 Samir Tergaoui, Newcastle RSF 6

2010: Feb 13 Peter McDonagh, London PTS 6; May 15 Gavin Tait, London RSF 1; Sep 18 Michael Kelly, Birmingham RSF 5 (For vacant Irish light-welterweight title)

2011: Feb 19 Michael Lomax, London RSF 7; May 21 Young Mutley, London PTS 12 (For vacant WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title); July 16 Curtis Woodhouse, Liverpool PTS 12 (WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title defence)

2012: Feb 25 Kevin McIntyre, Cardiff RSF 3; May 25 Laszlo Komjathi, Newport RTD 5; Nov 1 Junior Witter, London PTS 12 (British welterweight title challenge)

2013: Jan 18 Jason Welborn, Walsall RSF 7 (British welterweight title defence); June 28 Denton Vassell, Liverpool RSF 7 (British welterweight title defence; also challenge for Commonwealth title); Sep 21 David Barnes, London PTS 12 (British and Commonwealth welterweight titles defence); Dec 21 Bradley Pryce, Leeds PTS 10

2014: Mar 29 Sacky Shikukutu, Newcastle PTS 12
(Commonwealth welterweight title defence)

FIGHTS: 19 WON: 19 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Declan GERAGHTY

Lightweight Born: Dublin, 11 May, 1990. Irish cadet 46k champion 2007 (Liam McGuinness); Irish Under-19 flyweight champion 2008 (Gary Molloy); Irish flyweight champion 2009 (Conor Ahern); Grand Prix flyweight bronze medallist, Usti, 2009; Gee-Bee tournament flyweight silver medallist, Helsinki, 2010; Tammer tournament flyweight bronze medallist, Tampere, 2010; Irish Under-23 featherweight champion 2012 (John Meli); Irish bantamweight champion 2013 (Gary McKenna).

2014: May 9 Sid Razak, Sheffield PTS 6; June 14 Renato Toth, Belfast RSF 1; July 12 Youssef Al Hamidi, Birmingham PTS 4; July 26 Kristian Laight, Manchester PTS 4

FIGHTS: 4 WON: 4 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Mark GINLEY

Lightweight Born: Belfast, 6 September, 1988.

2011: May 7 Dan Carr, London PTS 4; June 25 Robin Deakin, Craigavon PTS 6

2012: Feb 25 Johnny Greaves, Belfast PTS 4; July 21 Andrejs Podusovs, Belfast PTS 6; Dec 8 Kris Hughes, Edinburgh L-RTD 5

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 4 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Ray GINLEY

Light-heavyweight Born: Belfast, 16 June, 1993. European Schoolboy Championships bronze medallist, Portsmouth, 2007.

2012: Feb 25 Stuart Maddox, Belfast RSF 1; Apr 7 James Tucker, Newark PTS 4; July 21 Jody Meikle, Belfast PTS 4; Nov 3 John Waldron, Dublin RSF 3

2013: Oct 12 Marlin Washington, Philadelphia RSF 3

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Jake HANNEY

Light-welterweight Born: Dublin, 25 May, 1989. Based in Australia.

2013: Aug 17 Roy Thompson, Sawtell RSC 1; Oct 12 Behroz Mohammadi, Lakemba RSC 3

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Thomas HARDWICK

Heavyweight Born: Dublin, 12 December, 1984. Based in New York.

2011: May 19 Derek Walker, New York RSF 3; July 16 Rodelle Bolar, Atlantic City RSF 3; Sep 23 Jamell Williams, New York PTS 4

2012: Jan 21 Richard Mason, New York PTS 4; Mar 17 TJ Gibson, New York PTS 4

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Stephen HAUGHIAN

Light-welterweight Born: Lurgan, 20 November, 1984.

2005: Mar 18 James Gorman, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 14 Imad Khamis, Dublin RSF 4; Nov 24 James Gorman, Lurgan PTS 6

2006: Jan 28 Duncan Cottier, Dublin PTS 4; May 20 Peter Buckley, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 26 Denis Alekseev, Belfast RSF 1; Nov 11 Silence Saheed, Dublin PTS 6

2007: Feb 17 Dwayne Hill, Cork RSF 2; Mar 25 Chill John, Dublin PTS 6; July 14 Gary O’Connor, Dublin RSF 6; Oct 20 Thomas Hengstberger, Dublin RSF 1; Nov 11 Tye Williams, Dunboyne PTS 8; Dec 8 Giammario Grassellini, Belfast L-PTS 12 (IBF International welterweight title challenge); Dec 15 Artur Jashkul, Dublin PTS 6

2008: June 20 Raul Saiz, Wolverhampton RSF 2; July 19 Giuseppe Langella, Limerick PTS 8; Nov 15 Giammario Grassellini, Castlebar PTS 8

2009: Feb 7 Billy Walsh, Craigavon RSF 3 (For vacant Irish welterweight title); Apr 11 Drew Campbell, London RSF 1; Sep 26 Albert Starikov, Dublin DREW 6

2010: June 11 Kevin McIntyre, Belfast L-PTS 10 (For vacant Celtic welterweight title); Sep 18 Dee Mitchell, Belfast PTS 6; Dec 3 Dave Ryan, Belfast PTS 8

2011: June 25 Arek Malek, Craigavon PTS 6

2012: Dec 1 John O’Donnell, Belfast L-PTS 8

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 24 WON: 21 DREW: 1 LOST: 3

Gerard HEALY

Light-middleweight Born: Belfast, 29 September, 1983.

2011: May 28 Aaron Fox, Belfast PTS 4; Sep 17 Dee Walsh, Belfast L-PTS 4; Oct 15 Liam Smith, Liverpool L-KO 1

2012: Feb 25 Oleksiy Chukov, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 13 William Warburton, Belfast L-PTS 4; Dec 1 John Hutchinson, Belfast L-PTS 4

2013: May 14 John Hutchinson, Belfast T-DRAW 3

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 2 DREW: 1 LOST: 4

Joe HILLERBY

Middleweight Born: Belfast, 19 December, 1987.

2010: Oct 16 Gavin Putney, Northampton RSF 1

2011: Jan 21 Ryan Clark, London PTS 4; May 7 Bheki Moyo, London PTS 4; July 31 Iain Jackson, Luton PTS 4; Sep 17 Tommy Tolan, Belfast PTS 4

2012: Feb 25 Aleksandrs Radjuks, Belfast RSF 1; Apr 14 Willie Thompson, Belfast PTS 10 (For vacant Northern Irish light-middleweight title); July 21 Lee Murtagh, Belfast L-RTD 6 (For vacant Irish super-middleweight title); Nov 3 Robert Long, Dublin PTS 8 (For vacant Celtic Warrior light-middleweight title); Dec 1 Phill Fury, Belfast L-PTS 8

2013: Sep 14 Vaclav Polak, Belfast PTS 6

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 11 WON: 9 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Dennis HOGAN

Middleweight Born: Kilcullen, 1 March 1985. Based in Brisbane.

2011: Apr 1 Marlon Toby, Fortitude Valley RTD 2; May 13 Ben Dyer, Fortitude Valley RSF 3; June 17 Edmund Eramiha, Altona North DREW 5; Aug 6 Moses Ioelu, Fortitude Valley PTS 4; Sep 30 Tass Tsitsiras, Fortitude Valley PTS 4; Oct 21 Glen Fitzpatrick, Red Hill RSF 4 (For vacant Queensland super-middleweight title); Oct 29 Robert Clarke, Hervey Bay PTS 4

2012: Feb 24 David Galvin, Hurstville PTS 6; Mar 23 Nathan Carroll, Mansfield RSF 7 (For vacant Queensland middleweight title); June 22 Aswin Cabuy, Hurstville PTS 6; July 28 Arnel Tinampay, Broadbeach PTS 8; Sep 14 Singdet Sithsaithong, Brisbane PTS 10

2013: June 15 Khomkeaw Sithsaithong, Fortitude Valley RSF 2; Aug 3 Petchsuriya Looksaikongdin, Fortitude Valley KO 1; Sep 20 Gavin Prunty, Brisbane PTS 8 (For vacant Celtic Nations light-middleweight title); Nov 7 Nathan Carroll, Brisbane PTS 10 (Australian middleweight title challenge); Dec 7 Robbie Bryant, Madeley PTS 10 (Australian middleweight title defence)

2014: Mar 16 Leroy Brown, Brisbane PTS 10 (Australian middleweight title defence); May 21 David Galvin, Eatons Hill KO 6; July 6 Steve Moxon, Altona North PTS 12

FIGHTS: 20 WON: 19 DREW: 1 LOST: 0

John HUTCHINSON

Middleweight Born: Buncrana, 28 May, 1986.

2012: Aug 17 Darren Cruise, Castlebar PTS 4; Dec 1 Gerard Healy, Belfast PTS 4

2013: Feb 24 Mantas Bakstinas, Birmingham RSF 1; May 14 Gerard Healy, Belfast T-DRAW 3; July 27 Robert Brando-Hunt, Boston T-DRAW 2; Sep 14 Deividas Sajauka, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 26 Robert Brando-Hunt, Canton, Massachusetts PTS 4

2014: Mar 15 Peter McDonagh, Reading L-PTS 10 (For vacant Irish light-middleweight title)

FIGHTS: 8 WON: 5 DREW: 2 LOST: 1

Liam HUTCHINSON

Light-middleweight Born: Queensland, Australia, 4 January, 1993.

2011: Sep 10 Aaron Fox, Belfast PTS 4; Dec 15 Robert Heppell, Brisbane PTS 4

2012: Apr 21 Rex Regalado, Fortitude Valley PTS 4; May 17 Blair Conley, Brisbane RSF 2; June 3 David Galvin, Mansfield L-PTS 4

2013: Mar 1 Justin Hohaia, Richlands RSF 6; May 18 Nick Toa, Broadbeach RSF 1; Sep 20 Michael Dan, Brisbane PTS 8 (For vacant Queensland light-middleweight title); Nov 16 Will Sands, Brisbane KO 3

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 9 WON: 8 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Patrick HYLAND

Featherweight Born: Dublin, 16 September, 1983.

2004: Sep 24 Dean Ward, Dublin PTS 4

2005: Feb 13 Steve Gethin, Brentwood PTS 4; June 4 Peter Buckley, Dublin PTS 4; Sep 17 Imrich Parlagi, Dublin PTS 4; Nov 18 Craig Morgan, Dagenham PTS 4

2006: Mar 11 Tibor Besze, Dublin KO 1; June 23 Lajos Beller, Dublin RSF 1; July 14 Roman Rafael, Dublin RSF 1

2008: Jan 26 Gheorghe Ghiompirica, Cork PTS 8; Mar 15 Mike Dobbs, Boston RSF 1; Apr 19 Paul Griffin, Dublin RSF 3 (For vacant Irish featherweight title); May 31 Robin Deakin, Belfast RSF 5; July 5 Geoffrey Munika, Dublin PTS 8; Sep 6 John Gicharu, Dublin RSF 1; Oct 4 Elvis Luciano Martinez, Philadelphia RSF 2

2009: Mar 14 Carlos Guevara, Dorchester, Massachusetts PTS 10 (For vacant IBA Inter-continental super-featherweight title); July 25 Abdu Tebazalwa, Dublin PTS 12 (For vacant IBF International featherweight title); Sep 26 Manuel Sequera, Dublin RSF 6

2010: Feb 13 Mickey Coveney, Dublin RSF 7 (Irish featherweight title defence); Oct 2 Yordan Vasilev, Letterkenny PTS 6; Nov 20 Saut Laze, Castlebar PTS 8

2011: Apr 30 Daniel Kodjo Sassou, London PTS 6; June 25 Phillippe Frenois, Dublin PTS 12 (For vacant WBF featherweight title); Aug 12 Fabrizio Trotta, Castlebar RSF 4

2012: Jan 28 Emmanuel Lucero, Atlantic City PTS 8; May 12 Frankie Archuleta, Poughkeepsie RSF 4; Aug 8 Carlos Fulgencio, New York PTS 8; Dec 8 Javier Fortuna, Las Vegas L-PTS 12 (For vacant interim WBA super-featherweight title)

2013: Inactive

2014: Jul 23 Noel Echevarria, New York RSF 4

FIGHTS: 29 WON: 28 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Paul HYLAND JNR

Lightweight Born: Belfast, 17 June, 1990.

2014: May 10 Zoltan Horvath, Belfast PTS 4; June 6 Joe Beedon, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: O

Jamie KAVANAGH

Light-welterweight Born: Dublin, 28 May, 1990. Irish Under-21 lightweight runner-up 2007 (Anthony Cacace); World Junior Championships light-welterweight silver medallist, Gaudalajara, 2008; Irish Under-19 light-welterweight champion 2008 (Patrick Ward); Irish light-welterweight runner-up 2008 (John Joe Joyce). Based in Los Angeles.

2010: May 15 William Ware, New York RSF 2; June 24 Luis Sanchez, Los Angeles PTS 4; Sep 30 Ricardo Malfavon, Los Angeles PTS 4; Dec 11 Jacob Thornton, Las Vegas RSF 1

2011: Feb 24 Ramon Flores, Los Angeles PTS 6; Apr 16 Sid Razak, Manchester PTS 6; June 23 John Willoughby, Los Angeles RSF 3; July 22 Marcos Herrera, Las Vegas PTS 6; Dec 10 Ramesis Gil, Washington DREW 6

2012: Mar 24 Cesar Cisneros, Houston RSF 5; May 26 Jorge Ibarra, Cancun, Mexico RSF 2; July 14 Paul Velarde, Las Vegas PTS 8; Nov 3 Ramon Valadez, Anaheim PTS 8

2013: Mar 8 Salvador Garcia, Indion T-PTS 5; June 8 Adolfo Landeros, Carson RSF 4; Aug 9 Antonio Meza, Indio KO 1; Dec 14 Daniel Ruiz, Playa del Carmen, Mexico L-RSF 6

2014: Mar 17 Andres Navarro, Boston PTS 8; June 5 Michael Clark, Boston RSF 5

FIGHTS: 19 WON: 17 DREW: 1 LOST: 1

Luke KEELER

Middleweight Born: Dublin, 27 April, 1987.

2013: May 3 Renato Toth, Dublin RTD 1; July 12 Tommy Tolan, Dundalk PTS 4; Nov 2 Janos Lakatos, Dublin RSF 1

2014: Feb 15 Edgars Sniedze, Dublin RSF 2; June 6 Festim Lama, Belfast RSF 4

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Michael KELLY

Light-welterweight Born: Dundalk, 28 April, 1975. Light-welterweight gold medallist, World Military Championships, Zagreb, 1999; Irish light-welterweight champion 2001 (Paul McCloskey); Light-welterweight gold medallist, World Military Championships, The Curragh, 2002; Box-Am Tournament light-welterweight bronze medallist, Tenerife, 2002; Irish light-welterweight runner-up 2003 (Paul McCloskey).

2004: Feb 2 Carl Allen, Bridgend PTS 4; Apr 17 Baz Carey, Belfast PTS 4; June 26 Simon Wilson, Belfast PTS 4

2005: July 2 Daniel Thorpe, Dundalk PTS 4; Sep 17 Jozef Kubovsky, Dublin PTS 4

2006: Apr 21 Stuart Green, Belfast PTS 4

2007-2008: Inactive

2009: Feb 7 Juris Ivanovs, Craigavon RSF 2; Mar 21 Valentins Morozovs, Dublin DREW 4; Dec 12 Peter Feher, Dublin KO 1

2010: Apr 8 Buzz Grant, Toronto L-PTS 8; Sep 18 Frankie Gavin, Birmingham L-RSF 5 (For vacant Irish light-welterweight title)

2011: Inactive

2012: Dec 1 Marco McCullough, Belfast L-PTS 4

2013: Mar 8 Rhys Pagan, Motherwell L-PTS 4; May 14 Kevin O’Hara, Belfast L-PTS 8; July 20 Bradley Saunders, London L-RSF 5

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 15 WON: 8 DREW: 1 LOST: 6

Stevie KELLY

Middleweight Born: Westport, 1 January, 1986. Based in Australia.

2012: Nov 16 Eddie Lenart, Malvern PTS 4

2013: May 2 Talalelei Pauga, Altona North PTS 4; Aug 2 Daniel Burton, Altona North PTS 4; Oct 11 Terry DeHaan, Brunswick L-PTS 4; Dec 13 Terry DeHaan, Sunshine PTS 6

2014: Mar 16 Talalelei Pauga, Brisbane PTS 4; July 6 Jake Gathercole, Altona North L-PTS 8 (For vacant Victoria State middleweight title)

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Jamie KENNEDY

Light-welterweight Born: Toome, 26 August, 1993. Ulster light-welterweight champion 2012 (Eamonn Magee Jnr, staged in December 2011).

2013: May 14 Willie Mitchell, Belfast PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Andy LEE

Middleweight Born: London, 11 June, 1984. World Junior Championships light-middleweight silver medallist, Santiago de Cuba, 2002; Irish middleweight champion 2003 (Eamonn O’Kane); Gee-Bee tournament middleweight silver medallist, Helsinki, 2003; Four Nations Championships middleweight gold medallist, Cardiff, 2003; Irish middleweight champion 2004 (Patrick Murray); European Union Championships middleweight silver medallist, Madrid, 2004; European Championships middleweight bronze medallist, Pula, 2004; Irish middleweight champion 2005 (Eamonn O’Kane); Four Nations Championships middleweight gold medallist, Liverpool, 2005.

2006: Mar 10 Anthony Cannon, Detroit PTS 6; Apr 22 Wassim Khalil, Mannheim RSF 5; June 16 Rodney Freeman, Memphis RSF 1; Aug 10 Carl Cockerham, Las Vegas PTS 6; Sep 14 Jess Salway, Las Vegas KO 1; Nov 11 Dennis Sharpe, New York PTS 6

2007: Jan 25 Arturo Ortega, Las Vegas RSF 6; Mar 16 Carl Daniels, New York KO 3; May 18 Clinton Bonds, Memphis RSF 1; July 7 Thomas Hengstberger, Cologne KO 2; Aug 25 Ciaran Healy, Dublin RTD 4; Oct 2 James Morrow, Chicago RSF 1; Nov 15 Marcus Thomas, Plymouth, Michigan KO 1; Dec 15 Jason McKay, Dublin RTD 6

2008: Feb 2 Alejandro Gustavo Falliga, Limerick KO 5; Mar 21 Brian Vera, Uncasville, Connecticut L-RSF 7; July 19 Willie Gibbs, Limerick RSF 10

2009: Mar 21 Alexander Sipos, Dublin PTS 10; June 20 Olegs Fedotovs, Gelsenkirchen, Germany PTS 6; Aug 21 Anthony Schuler, Hammond, Indiana RSF 8; Nov 14 Affif Belghecham, Limerick PTS 10

2010: May 15 Mamadou Thiam, Limerick RTD 2; July 30 James Cook, Miami, Oklahoma KO 5; Sep 17 Michael Walker, Chicago RSF 8; Oct 2 Troy Lowry, Hammond, Indiana RSF 4

2011: Mar 12 Craig McEwan, Mashantucket RSF 10; May 18 Alex Bunema, Rosemont PTS 10 (For vacant North American middleweight title); Oct 1 Bryan Vera, Atlantic City PTS 10

2012: Mar 10 Saul Duran, Novi KO 2 (North American middleweight title defence); June 16 Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, El Paso L-RSF 7 (WBC middleweight title challenge)

2013: Feb 9 Anthony Fitzgerald, Belfast PTS 10; May 15 Darryl Cunningham, New York RSF 1; Nov 23 Ferenc Hafner, Manchester RSF 2

2014: Apr 12 Frank Haroche Horta, Esbjerg, Denmark PTS 8; June 7 John Jackson, New York KO 5

FIGHTS: 35 WON: 33 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Martin LINDSAY

Featherweight Born: Belfast, 10 May, 1982. Istvan Dobo Junior Tournament bantamweight gold medallist, Eger, 2000; Irish bantamweight champion 2002 (Damien McKenna); Irish bantamweight runner-up 2003 (Brian Gillen); Commonwealth Championships featherweight silver medallist, Kuala Lumpur, 2003; Irish featherweight champion 2004 (Eamonn Touhey).

2004: Dec 2 Dai Davies, London RSF 1

2005: Apr 24 Rakhim Mingaleev, London PTS 4; July 2 Henry Janes, Dundalk RSF 2; Sep 17 Peter Feher, Dublin PTS 4

2006: Apr 21 Chris Hooper, Belfast KO 1; Oct 13 Nikita Lukin, Port Talbot PTS 6

2007: Mar 30 Buster Dennis, Crawley PTS 6; July 14 Jose Silveira, Rama, Ontario PTS 6; Oct 27 Uriel Barrera, Rama, Ontario PTS 10 (For vacant IBF Youth featherweight title); Dec 8 Edison Torres, Belfast PTS 8

2008: Jan 19 Jason Hayward, Rama, Ontario RSF 1; May 16 Marc Callaghan, Turin PTS 8; Sep 20 Derry Mathews, Sheffield KO 9 (British featherweight title eliminator)

2009: Apr 25 Paul Appleby, Belfast RSF 6 (British featherweight title challenge); Nov 6 Alfred Tetteh, Magherafelt PTS 8

2010: Mar 19 Jamie Arthur, Leigh PTS 12 (British featherweight title defence); Sep 11 Yauheni Kruhlik, Houghton-le-Spring PTS 6; Dec 15 John Simpson, Belfast L-PTS 12 (British featherweight title defence)

2011: Inactive

2012: Mar 23 Maurycy Gojko, London PTS 6; May 5 Mickey Coveney, Belfast RSF 4; Sep 22 Renald Garrido, Belfast PTS 8

2013: Feb 9 Lee Selby, Belfast L-PTS 12 (British and Commonwealth featherweight titles challenge)

2014: May 10 Krzysztof Rogowski, Belfast RSF 3; May 21 Josh Warrington, Leeds L-PTS 12 (Commonwealth featherweight title challenge, also for vacant British title)

FIGHTS: 24 WON: 21 DREW: 0 LOST: 3

Robbie LONG

Middleweight Born: Dublin, 26 February, 1983. Irish Under-21 middleweight champion 2003 (Sean Shevlin).

2008: Sep 6 Florin Bogdan, Dublin PTS 4; Oct 26 Sandris Tomsons, Killarney RTD 3

2009: Jan 30 Anthony Fitzgerald, Dublin PTS 6; July 25 Deniss Sirjatovs, Dublin PTS 4; Oct 24 Anthony Fitzgerald, Dublin L-PTS 8; Sep 11 Anthony Fitzgerald, Dublin L-PTS 10 (Irish super-middleweight title challenge)

2010: Dec 10 Andrejs Suliko, Dublin PTS 4

2011: Jan 30 James Tucker, Dublin PTS 4; June 25 Gary O’Sullivan, Dublin L-RSF 1 (Irish middleweight title challenge)

2012: Nov 3 Joe Hillerby, Dublin L-PTS 8 (For vacant Celtic Warrior light-middleweight title)

2013: Inactive

2014: Feb 15 Darren Cruise, Dublin NO-CON 2

FIGHTS: 11 WON: 6 DREW: 0 NO-CON: 1 LOST: 4

Matthew MACKLIN

Middleweight Born: Birmingham, 14 May, 1982. Istvan Dobo Junior Tournament light-middleweight gold medallist, Eger, 2000; Italia Junior Cup light-middleweight silver medallist, Cagliari, 2000; English welterweight champion 2001 (Justin Turley); Acropolis Cup light-middleweight silver medallist, Athens, 2001.

2001: Nov 17 Ram Singh, Glasgow RSF 1; Dec 15 Cristian Hodorogea London KO 1

2002: Feb 9 Dmitri Protkunas, Manchester RTD 3; Mar 11 David Kirk, Glasgow PTS 4; Apr 20 Ilia Spassov, Cardiff KO 3; June 1 Guy Alton, Manchester RSF 3; Sep 28 Leonti Voronchuk, Manchester RSF 5

2003: Feb 15 Ruslan Yakupov, London PTS 6; May 24 Paul Denton, London PTS 6; Nov 6 Andrew Facey, Dagenham L-PTS 10

2004: Feb 21 Dean Walker, Cardiff KO 1; Apr 24 Scott Dixon, Reading RTD 6; June 12 Ojay Abrahams, Manchester PTS 4

2005: May 14 Michael Monaghan, Dublin KO 5 (For vacant Irish middleweight title); Aug 4 Leo Laudat, Atlantic City RSF 3; Oct 28 Anthony Little, Philadelphia RSF 2; Nov 26 Alexey Chirkov, Sheffield KO 1

2006: June 1 Marcin Piatkowski, Birmingham RSF 4; Sep 29 Jamie Moore, Manchester L-KO 10 (British light-middleweight title challenge)

2007: July 20 Anatoliy Udalov, Wolverhampton KO 1; Aug 26 Darren Rhodes, Dublin RSF 4; Oct 20 Alessandro Furlan, Dublin RSF 8

2008: Mar 22 Luis Ramon ‘Yory Boy’ Campas, Dublin PTS 10; Sep 6 Francis Cheka, Manchester PTS 10; Oct 31 Geard Ajetovic, Birmingham PTS 10

2009: Mar 14 Wayne Elcock, Birmingham RSF 3 (British middleweight title challenge); Sep 25 Amin Asikainen, Manchester RSF 1 (For vacant European middleweight title); Dec 5 Rafael Sosa Pintos, Dublin PTS 10

2010: Vacated European title on March 24 - Sep 18 Shalva Jomardashvili, Birmingham RTD 6 (For vacant European middleweight title); Dec 11 Ruben Varon, Liverpool PTS 12 (European middleweight title defence)

2011: June 25 Felix Sturm, Cologne L-PTS 12 (WBA middleweight title challenge)

2012: Mar 17 Sergio Martinez, New York L-RTD 11; Sep 15 Joachim Alcine, Las Vegas RSF 1

2013: June 28 Gennady Golovkin, Mashantucket L-KO 3 (WBA middleweight title challenge); Dec 7 Lamar Russ, Atlantic City PTS 10

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 35 WON: 30 DREW: 0 LOST: 5

Brian MAGEE

Super-middleweight Born: Lisburn, 9 June, 1975. Irish middleweight champion 1995 (Denis Galvin); Irish middleweight champion 1996 (Brian Crowley); Olympic Games middleweight quarter-finalist, Atlanta, 1996; Irish middleweight champion 1997 (Ciprian Petrea Surugio); Multi Nations Tournament middleweight gold medallist, Liverpool, 1997; Muhammad Ali Cup middleweight gold medallist, Louisville, 1997 (beat Jeff Lacy in final); Irish middleweight champion 1998 (Kevin Walsh); European Championships middleweight silver medallist, Minsk 1998; Commonwealth Games middleweight bronze medallist, Kuala Lumpur 1998.

1999: Mar 13 Dean Ashton, Manchester RSF 2; May 22 Richard Glaysher, Belfast RSF 1; June 22 Chris Howarth, Ipswich RSF 1; Sep 13 Dennis Doyley, London RSF 3; Oct 16 Michael Pinnock, Belfast RSF 3

2000: Feb 12 Terry Morrill, Sheffield RTD 5; Feb 21 Rob Stevenson, London RSF 5; Mar 20 Darren Ashton, Mansfield RTD 5; Apr 15 Pedro Carragher, London RSF 2; June 12 Jason Barker, London PTS 8; Nov 11 Teymouraz Kekelidze, Belfast RSF 4

2001: Jan 29 Neil Linford, Peterborough PTS 12 (For vacant IBO Inter-Continental middleweight title); July 31 Chris Nembhard, London RSF 6; Dec 10 Ramon Britez, Liverpool KO 1 (IBO super-middleweight title challenge)

2002: Mar 18 Vage Kocharyan, Crawley PTS 8; June 15 Mpush Makembi, Leeds RSF 7 (IBO super-middleweight title defence); Nov 9 Jose Spearman, Manchester PTS 12 (IBO super-middleweight title defence)

2003: Feb 22 Miguel Jimenez, Huddersfield PTS 12 (IBO super-middleweight title defence); June 21 Andre Thysse, Manchester RSF 10 (IBO super-middleweight title defence); Oct 4 Omar Eduardo Gonzalez, Belfast KO 1 (IBO super-middleweight title defence); Nov 22 Hacine Cherifi, Belfast RTD 9 (IBO super-middleweight title defence)

2004: Apr 17 Jerry Elliott, Belfast PTS 12 (IBO super-middleweight title defence); June 26 Robin Reid, Belfast L-PTS 12 (IBO super-middleweight title defence); Nov 26 Neil Linford, Altrincham RSF 7

2005: July 16 Vitali Tsypko, Nuremburg L-PTS 12 (For vacant European super-middleweight title); Oct 14 Varuzhan Davtyan, Dublin RSF 2

2006: Jan 28 Daniil Prakapsou, Dublin RSF 2; May 26 Carl Froch, London L-KO 11 (British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles challenge); Nov 3 Paul David, Barnsley PTS 6

2007: Jan 26 Andrew Lowe, Dagenham PTS 12 (British light-heavyweight title eliminator); June 8 Danny Thornton, Motherwell RTD 2; Aug 25 Tony Oakey, Dublin DREW 12 (British light-heavyweight title challenge)

2008: Feb 8 Mark Nilsen, Peterlee PTS 4; Mar 7 Tyrone Wright, Nottingham PTS 6; July 11 Simeon Cover, Wigan RSF 4; Dec 13 Stevie McGuire, Brentwood RSF 8 (For vacant British super-middleweight title)

2009: Inactive

2010: Jan 30 Mads Larsen, Aarhus, Denmark RSF 7 (For vacant European super-middleweight title); Sept 11 Roman Aramyan, Dublin RTD 8 (European super-middleweight title defence)

2011: Mar 12 Lucian Bute, Montreal L-RSF 10 (IBF super-middleweight title challenge); July 30 Jaime Barboza, San Jose, Costa Rica PTS 12 (Interim WBA super-middleweight title)

2012: Feb 18 Rudy Markussen, Brondby KO 5 (Interim WBA super-middleweight title defence); Dec 8 Mikkel Kessler, Herning, Denmark L-RSF 3 (WBA super-middleweight title defence)

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 42 WON: 36 DREW: 1 LOST: 5

Eamonn MAGEE JNR

Light-welterweight Born: Belfast, 7 April, 1993. Son of former Commonwealth light-welterweight champion Eamonn Magee.

2014: June 6 Zoltan Horvath, Belfast RSF 2

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

David MAGUIRE

Cruiserweight Born: Dublin, 8 March, 1977.

2014: Feb 15 Moses Matovu, Dublin PTS 4

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Tommy McCARTHY

Heavyweight Born: Belfast, 4 November, 1990. European Schoolboys Championships 68k bronze medallist, Tver, 2005; HSK Junior Box Cup light-heavyweight gold medallist, Hillerod, 2007; Irish Cadet middleweight champion 2007 (Michael McDonagh); HSK Junior Box Cup light-heavyweight gold medallist, Hillerod, 2007; World Youth Championships light-heavyweight bronze medallist, Guadalajara, 2008; Ulster light-heavyweight champion 2008 (Paul Moffett); Irish Under-19 light-heavyweight champion 2008 (Stephen Ward); Ulster light-heavyweight runner-up 2009 (Stephen Ward, W/O); Irish light-heavyweight runner-up 2009 (Kenny Egan); Shkodra Memorial tournament light-heavyweight gold medallist, Albania, 2009; Irish light-heavyweight runner-up 2010 (Kenny Egan); Gee-Bee tournament light-heavyweight bronze medallist, Helsinki, 2010; Commonwealth Games light-heavyweight silver medallist, New Delhi, 2010; Gee-Bee tournament heavyweight gold medallist, Helsinki, 2011; Irish Under-21 heavyweight champion 2011 (Thomas Farrell); Irish heavyweight champion 2012 (Christy Joyce); Irish heavyweight champion 2013 (Jimmy Sweeney); Grand Prix tournament heavyweight bronze medallist, Usti, 2013; European Championships heavyweight quarter-finalist, Minsk, 2013; World Championships heavyweight quarter-finalist, Almaty, 2013.

2014: May 24 Rolandas Cesna, Dewsbury RSF 3; June 21 Imantas Davidaitis, Manchester RSF 2

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Paul McCLOSKEY

Light-welterweight Born: Dungiven, 3 August, 1979. Irish light-welterweight runner-up 1998 (Mark Wickham); Irish light-welterweight runner-up 2000 (Seanie Barrett); Irish light-welterweight runner-up 2001 (Michael Kelly); Irish light-welterweight champion 2002 (Roy Sheahan); Irish light-welterweight champion 2003 (Michael Kelly); European Union Championships light-welterweight silver medallist, Strasbourg, 2003; Four Nations Championships light-welterweight gold medallist, Cardiff, 2003; Gee-Bee tournament light-welterweight silver medallist, Helsinki, 2003; Irish light-welterweight champion 2004 (Michael Kelly); Feliks Stamm tournament - Olympic qualifier - light-welterweight bronze medallist, Warsaw, 2004.

2005: Mar 18 David Kehoe, Belfast RSF 3; June 17 Oscar Milkitas, Glasgow PTS 4; Nov 5 Billy Smith, Glasgow PTS 4; Nov 24 Henry Janes, Lurgan RSF 3

2006: Feb 18 Duncan Cottier, Edinburgh PTS 6; Mar 11 Surinder Sekhon, Newport KO 1;
Nov 4 Daniel Thorpe, Glasgow RTD 3; Dec 9 Silence Saheed, London PTS 4

2007: Feb 10 Eugen Stan, Letterkenny PTS 6; Feb 17 Chill John, Cork PTS 6; July 14 Ivan Orlando Bustos, Dublin KO 4; Aug 26 Alfredo Di Feto, Dublin PTS 8; Oct 20 Dariusz Sharski, Dublin RTD 2; Dec 8 Tontcho Tontchev, Belfast RSF 4 (For vacant IBF Inter-Continental light-welterweight title)

2008: Feb 2 Manuel Garnica, Limerick PTS 10; Mar 29 Cesar Bazan, Letterkenny PTS 10; July 19 Nigel Wright, Limerick PTS 10; Dec 5 Colin Lynes, Dagenham RTD 9 (For vacant British light-welterweight title)

2009: Mar 13 Dean Harrison, Widnes RSF 4 (British light-welterweight title defence); Nov 6 Daniel Rasilla, Magherafelt RSF 9 (For vacant European light-welterweight title)

2010: June 11 Guiseppe Lauri, Belfast KO 11 (European light-welterweight title defence); Oct 2 Barry Morrison, Letterkenny RSF 7 (European light-welterweight title defence)

2011: Apr 16 Amir Khan, Manchester L-T-PTS 6 (WBA light-welterweight title challenge); Sep 10 Breidis Prescott, Belfast PTS 12 (WBA light-welterweight title eliminator)

2012: May 5 DeMarcus Corley, Belfast L-RSF 10; Sep 22 Manuel Perez, Belfast PTS 12 (For vacant WBA Inter-Continental light-welterweight title)

2013: Dec 21 Dave Ryan, Leeds L-PTS 8

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 27 WON: 24 DREW: 0 LOST: 3

Marco McCULLOUGH

Featherweight Born: Belfast, 22 November, 1989. Dan Pozniak Junior Cup, bantamweight gold medallist, Vilnius, 2007; Irish Under-19 bantamweight champion 2007 (Sean Kilroy); Ulster featherweight champion 2009 (Carl Frampton, walkover).

2011: June 25 Eddie Nesbitt, Craigavon RSF 2; Sep 10 Dai Davies, Belfast L-PTS 4

2012: Apr 14 Sean Watson, Belfast RSF 1; Sep 8 Hyusein Hyuseinov, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 13 Valentin Marinov, Belfast RSF 1; Dec 1 Michael Kelly, Belfast PTS 4

2013: Feb 9 Ibrar Riyaz, Belfast PTS 4; May 14 Noel O’Brien, Belfast RSF 3; Oct 19 Willie Casey, Belfast RSF 9 (For vacant Irish featherweight title)

2014: Apr 4 Elemir Rafael, Belfast RSF 3; June 20 Martin Parlagi, Belfast PTS 10 (For vacant WBO European featherweight title)

FIGHTS: 11 WON: 10 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

JJ McDONAGH

Super-middleweight Born: Mullingar, 2 December, 1985.

2009: Nov 20 Jevgenijs Kiselevs, Belfast RSF 1; Dec 5 Mario Lupp, Dublin RSF 1

2010: Aug 7 Tommy Tolan, Dublin L-KO 3; Dec 10 Deniss Sirjatovs, Dublin RSF 4

2011: Jan 30 Phillip Townley, Dublin PTS 8; Dec 4 Stuart Maddox, Barnsley PTS 4

2012: Feb 25 Lee Murtagh, Hove KO 7 (For vacant Irish super-middleweight title); May 5 Darren Cruise, Belfast PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); May 5 Joe Rea, Belfast PTS 3 (Semi-final of Prizefighter tournament); May 5 Eamonn O’Kane, Belfast L-PTS (Final of Prizefighter tournament)

2013: Nov 21 Tzvetozar Iliev, London PTS 4

2014: Feb 21 Michal Nieroda, London RSF 4

FIGHTS: 12 WON: 10 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Paddy McDONAGH

Super-middleweight Born: Mullingar, 29 August, 1991. Irish Youth light-heavyweight champion 2009 (Patrick Ward); Irish Under-21 light-heavyweight champion 2009 (Gerard McDonagh).

2009: Nov 20 Grigor Sarohanian, Belfast PTS 4; Dec 4 Mariusz Radziszewski, Cork PTS 4

2010: May 15 Ciaran Healy, Limerick PTS 4; Dec 10 Martins Kukulis, Dublin PTS 8

2011: Jan 30 Titusz Szabo, Dublin PTS 6; Mar 19 Jevgenijs Andrejevs PTS 6; Dec 4 James Tucker, Barnsley PTS 4

2012: Jan 21 John Waldron, Liverpool PTS 10 (For vacant Irish light-heavyweight title); Apr 28 John Anthony, Hove L-PTS 6

2013: Dec 6 John Anthony, Doncaster PTS 6

2014: Mar 1 Lewis Patterson, London L-PTS 4

FIGHTS: 11 WON: 9 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Peter McDONAGH

Lightweight Born: Galway, 21 December, 1977. Based in London.

2002: Apr 28 Arv Mittoo, London PTS 6; June 23 Dave Hinds, London PTS 6; Sep 14 Peter Buckley, London PTS 4; Oct 27 Ben Hudson, London L-PTS 6

2003: Feb 18 Dafydd Carlin, London L-PTS 4; Apr 8 Ben Hudson, London PTS 4; Nov 8 Ceri Hall, Bridgend L-PTS 4; Nov 22 James Gorman, Belfast L-PTS 4

2004: Feb 21 Chill John, Hove RSF 2; Mar 6 Barry Hughes, Glasgow L-PTS 6; Apr 7 Jon Honney, London PTS 10 (For vacant Southern Area lightweight title); Nov 19 David Burke, London L-PTS 8

2005: Jan 21 Ryan Barrett, London L-PTS 8; Mar 4 Scott Lawton, Rotherham L-PTS 6; Apr 30 Rob Jeffries, Dagenham L-PTS 10 (Southern Area lightweight title defence); May 14 Robert Murray, Dublin L-PTS 10 (For vacant Irish light-welterweight title); Aug 7 Brunet Zamora, Rimini L-PTS 6; Nov 4 Anthony Christopher, London PTS 4

2006: Jan 28 Michael Gomez, Dublin RSF 5 (For vacant Irish lightweight title); Sep 24 Jason Nesbitt, London PTS 4; Dec 1 Karl Taylor, London PTS 4

2007: Oct 5 Duncan Cottier, London PTS 4

2008: Feb 29 Guiseppe Lauri, Milan L-RSF 6 (European Union light-welterweight title challenge); July 12 Andy Murray, Dublin, Ireland L-PTS 10 (For vacant Irish lightweight title); Sep 27 Constantin Florescu, Brampton, Canada PTS 6; Dec 13 Lee Purdy, Brentwood PTS 10 (For vacant Southern Area light-welterweight title)

2009: Apr 11 Lenny Daws, London L-PTS 10 (For vacant English light-welterweight title); June 12 Jimmy Briggs, London PTS 4; Sep 5 Lee Purdy, Watford L-PTS 10 (For vacant Southern Area welterweight title)

2010: Feb 13 Frankie Gavin, London L-PTS 6; Apr 3 Christopher Sebire, Manchester PTS 8; June 4 Yvan Mendy, Pont-Sainte-Maxence, France L-PTS 12 (For vacant WBF Inter-Continental light-welterweight title); July 24 Michele Di Rocco, Quartu Sant’Elena, Italy L-PTS 6; Sep 4 Alex Arthur, Glasgow L-PTS 8; Oct 23 Curtis Woodhouse, London PTS 8

2011: Mar 18 Darren Hamilton, London L-RSF 8 (For vacant Southern Area light-welterweight title); June 7 Yassine El Maachi, London L-PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); Sep 30 Johnny Greaves, London PTS 4; Nov 25 Gary McMillan, Motherwell L-PTS 6

2012: Jan 13 Jason Nesbitt, London PTS 6; Mar 31 Chris Johnson, Blackpool L-PTS 6; July 14 Ronnie Heffron, London L-PTS 8; Sep 14 Bradley Skeete, London L-PTS 10; Nov 1 Ronnie Heffron, London L-PTS 8; Nov 30 Bradley Saunders, Manchester L-PTS 8

2013: Mar 21 Bradley Skeete, London L-PTS 10 (Southern Area welterweight title challenge); June 8 Liam Griffiths, Bluewater PTS 4; July 12 Paddy Murphy, Dundalk DREW 8; Oct 10 Dan Blackwell, London PTS 4; Nov 16 Arek Malek, Greenhithe PTS 6

2014: Mar 15 John Hutchinson, Reading PTS 10 (For vacant Irish light-middleweight title)

FIGHTS: 51 WON: 22 DREW: 1 LOST: 28

Tyrone McKENNA

Light-welterweight Born: Belfast, 3 March, 1990. HSK Junior Box Cup bantamweight gold medallist, Hillerod, 2007; Dan Pozniak Junior Cup bantamweight bronze medallist, Vilnius, 2008; Irish Under-19 featherweight champion 2008 (Charlie Haggerty); Irish Under-21 lightweight runner-up 2009 (Mark O’Hara).

2012: Aug 17 Anthony Morrison, Atlantic City PTS 4

2013: Oct 12 Korey Sloane, Philadelphia PTS 4; Dec 11 Jeffrey Combs, Allentown PTS 4

2014: July 26 Christian Daniels, Winston-Salem RSF 1

FIGHTS: 4 WON: 4 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Michael McLAUGHLIN

Light-middleweight Born: Carndonagh, 21 September, 1984. Based in Boston. Irish Under-21 light-welterweight runner-up 2003 (John Joe McDonagh).

2010: Oct 2 Valentin Stoychev, Letterkenny DREW 4

2011: Sep 17 Mark Betts, Belfast RSF 4

2012: May 19 Noel Garcia, Boston DSQ 3; Sep 8 Antonio Chaves Fernandez, Dorchester L-PTS 4; Nov 10 Robert Brando-Hunt, Providence RSF 3

2013: Mar 10 Jimmy LeBlanc, Dorchester RTD 1; May 24 Antonio Chaves Fernandez, Dorchester PTS 6; Oct 26 Sergio Cabrera, Canton, Massachusetts PTS 6

2014: Mar 15 Paul Souza, Boston RSF 2; Apr 26 Pedro Gonzalez, Dorchester T-PTS 4

FIGHTS: 10 WON: 8 DREW: 1 LOST: 1

Christina McMAHON

Bantamweight Born: Carrickmacross, 18 June, 1974.

2010: Aug 7 Ineta Lieknina, Dublin RSF 3; Dec 10 Polina Pencheva, Dublin PTS 4

2011: Mar 19 Julija Cvetkova, Dublin RSF 4

2012: Nov 3 Stephanie Ducastel, Dublin PTS 8 (For vacant Celtic Warrior bantamweight title)

2013: Mar 9 Karina Kopinska, Dundalk PTS 8; Sep 14 Lana Cooper, Belfast RSF 5

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 6 WON: 6 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Daniel McSHANE

Lightweight Born: Belfast, 9 November, 1993. Pirkka Junior Tournament featherweight gold medallist, Tampere, 2009.

2012: Oct 13 Evgeni Geshev, Belfast RSF 3; Dec 1 Janis Puksins PTS 4

2013: Feb 9 Pavels Senkovs, Belfast PTS 4; Mar 9 Ignac Kassai, Dundalk RSF 2; June 28 Ivans Levickis, Belfast RSF 3; Sep 14 Istvan Kovacs, Belfast PTS 8; Oct 19 Oszkar Fiko, Belfast DSQ 3

2014: Mar 8 Ignac Kassai, Kecskemet, Hungary PTS 4

FIGHTS: 8 WON: 8 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Ciaran McVARNOCK

Lightweight Born: Belfast, 11 April, 1992.

2013: Dec 7 Ivan Ruiz Garrido, Liverpool PTS 4

2014: May 10 Harvey Hemsley, Liverpool PTS 4

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Alfredo MELI

Middleweight Born: Belfast, 6 June, 1990. Irish Under-19 welterweight champion (Bernard Redmond); HSK Junior Box Cup middleweight silver medallist, Hillerod, 2007; Ulster middleweight champion 2012 (Walkover, staged in December 2011).

2012: Apr 27 Sergej Drob, Belfast RSF 1; June 2 Andrejs Loginovs, London RSF 3; Nov 27 Danny Brown, London PTS 4

2013: Nov 9 Kieron Gray, Belfast PTS 4

2014: Mar 21 Festim Lama, Belfast PTS 6; May 10 Samet Hyuseinov, Belfast PTS 4; June 6 Dan Blackwell, Belfast PTS 6; June 14 Damien Taggart, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 8 WON: 8 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Willie MITCHELL

Welterweight Born: Omagh, 10 August, 1987. Irish light-heavyweight runner-up 2007 (Kenny Egan).

2013: Mar 9 Brandon Peake, Dundalk RSF 3; May 14 Jamie Kennedy, Belfast L-PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Paul MOFFETT

Super-middleweight Born: Belfast, 2 June, 1984. Ulster light-heavyweight runner-up 2008 (Tommy McCarthy).

2012: Apr 14 Ciaran Healy, Belfast PTS 4; Apr 27 Jamie Boness, Belfast RSF 1; July 21 Tommy Tolan, Belfast DREW 4; Oct 13 Gavin Putney, Belfast RTD 2

2013: Inactive

2014: Feb 1 Kerry Hope, Cardiff L-PTS 6

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 3 DREW: 1 LOST: 1

Sean MONAGHAN

Light-heavyweight Born: New York, 21 August, 1981.

2010: May 21 Simeon Trigueno, New York RSF1; July 17 Dennis Penelton, Atlantic City KO 1; Oct 6 Borngod Washington, New York PTS 4; Oct 22 Nick Whiting, New York RSF 2

2011: Feb 9 Angel Gonzalez, New York RSF 3; Mar 12 Billy Cunningham, Mashantucket PTS 4; Mar 29 Michael Glenn, New York PTS 4; July 30 Brian Bernard, New York KO 1; Oct 1 Kentrell Claiborne, Atlantic City RSF 4; Oct 22 Anthony Pietrantonio, New York RSF 5; Dec 2 Santos Martinez, New York KO 2

2012: Jan 21 Billy Bailey, New York PTS 8; Mar 17 Eric Watkins, New York PTS 6; June 14 Romaro Johnson, New York RSF 8 (For vacant WBC Continental Americas light-heavyweight title); Aug 2 George Armenta, New York RSF 3; Oct 24 Rayco Saunders, New York PTS 10 (WBC Continental Americas light-heavyweight title defence)

2013: Jan 19 Roger Cantrell, New York PTS 8; Apr 13 Rex Stanley, New York RSF 1; Oct 12 Anthony Smith, Las Vegas RSF 3 (WBC Continental Americas light-heavyweight title defence)

2014: Jan 25 Matt Vanda, New York RSF 1 (WBC Continental Americas light-heavyweight title defence); Apr 12 Joe McCreedy, Las Vegas RSF 5 (WBC Continental Americas light-heavyweight title defence); June 14 Elvir Muriqi, New York PTS 10 (WBC Continental Americas light-heavyweight title defence)

FIGHTS: 22 WON: 22 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Mark MORRIS

Lightweight Born: Belfast, 8 November, 1988.

2013: Nov 9 Andy Harris, Belfast PTS 4

2014: Mar 21 Ryan Corrigan, Belfast RSF 1

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Ben MULLIGAN

Light-welterweight Born: Fivemiletown, 20 May, 1986.

2012: Sep 22 Mariusz Bak, Belfast L-PTS 4

2013: Inactive

2014: May 10 Derek Potter, Belfast L-PTS 4

FIGHTS: 2 WON: 0 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Paddy MURPHY

Welterweight Born: Newry, 28 September, 1987. Based in Brisbane, Australia. Ulster light-welterweight champion 2008 (Paddy Gallagher).

2011: May 13 David Bainbridge, Fortitude Valley RSF 1; Sep 30 Mick Shaw, Fortitude Valley PTS 4; Oct 28 Kurt Finlayson, Mansfield PTS 4; Dec 15 Brett John Smith, Brisbane RSF 4 (For vacant Queensland welterweight title)

2012: Mar 2 Robert Clarke, Mansfield RSF 1; July 27 Daniel Roy Maxwell, Maroochydore PTS 6; Sep 14 Harrison Gardner, Brisbane RSF 2; Dec 11 Yang Xing Xin, Hong Kong DREW 6

2013: Apr 20 Alex Ahtong, Brisbane PTS 10 (For vacant WBF Asia Pacific welterweight title); July 12 Peter McDonagh, Dundalk DREW 8; Nov 16 Adrian Campbell, Brisbane PTS 8; Dec 11 Alex Ah Tong, Flemington PTS 8

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 12 WON: 10 DREW: 2 LOST: 0

Lee MURTAGH

Middleweight Born: Leeds, 30 September, 1973.

1995: June 12 Dave Curtis, Bradford PTS 6; Sep 25 Roy Gbasai, Bradford PTS 6; Oct 30 Cameron Raeside, Bradford L-PTS 6; Dec 11 Donovan Davey, Bradford PTS 6

1996: Jan 13 Peter Varnavas, Halifax PTS 6; Feb 5 Seamus Casey, Bradford PTS 6; May 20 Shaun O’Neill, Bradford PTS 6; June 24 Michael Alexander, Bradford PTS 6; Oct 28 Jimmy Vincent, Bradford L-RSF 2.

1997: Apr 14 Lee Simpkin, Bradford PTS 6; Oct 9 Brian Dunn, Leeds PTS 6.

1998: Mar 5 Wayne Shepherd, Leeds PTS 6; Aug 8 Alan Gilbert, Scarborough PTS 4

1999: Mar 13 Keith Palmer, Manchester DREW 6; Sep 27 Jawaid Khaliq, Leeds L-RSF 5 (For vacant WBF inter-continental light-middleweight title)

2000: Feb 27 Gareth Lovell, Leeds PTS 6; Sep 24 Jon Foster, Shaw PTS 6

2001: May 17 Ojay Abrahams, Leeds L-RSF 2 (For vacant British masters light-middleweight title)

2002: Mar 3 Howard Clarke, Shaw NO-CON 3; Apr 19 Neil Bonner, Darlington PTS 6; June 21 Wayne Shepherd, Leeds PTS 10 (For vacant British masters middleweight title); Dec 2 Martyn Bailey, Leeds L-RSF 6 (British masters middleweight title defence)

2003: May 10 Darren Rhodes, Huddersfield L-PTS 6; Sep 15 Matt Scriven, Leeds DSQ 9 (British masters light-middleweight title challenge); Dec 1 Gary Beardsley, Leeds L-RSF 8 (British masters light-middleweight title defence)

2004: June 8 Robert Burton, Sheffield L-KO 3 (For vacant Central Area light-middleweight title);

Dec 15 Dean Walker, Sheffield PTS 10 (Central Area middleweight title challenge)

2005: May 20 Jason Rushton, Doncaster PTS 10 (Central Area light-middleweight title defence)

2006: Jan 27 Gary Woolcombe, Dagenham L-RSF 4

2007: June 3 John Musgrove, Barnsley PTS 6; June 30 Peter Dunn, Belfast PTS 6; Aug 11 Graham Delehedy, Liverpool PTS 6; Oct 13 Tye Williams, Belfast PTS 6 Dec 8 Ciaran Healy, Belfast L-KO 5 (For vacant Irish light-middleweight title)

2008: Dec 5 Lee Edwards, Sheffield L-PTS 10 (British Masters light-middleweight title challenge)

2009: Apr 18 Carl Drake, Galway PTS 6; Oct 17 Paul Royston, York PTS 6; Nov 14 Marcen Gierke, Limerick PTS 6

2010: Sep 18 Dean Walker, Rotherham PTS 6; Nov 6 Anthony Fitzgerald, Limerick NO-CON 2 (Irish super-middleweight title challenge)

2011: Jan 30 Anthony Fitzgerald, Dublin L-RSF 7 (Irish super-middleweight title challenge); Apr 10 Bobby Wood, Rotherham PTS 6; May 14 Ryan Clark, York PTS 4; Aug 12 Darren Cruise, Castlebar PTS 4; Sep 15 Steve Spence, Leeds PTS 6

2012: Feb 25 JJ McDonagh, Hove L-KO 7 (For vacant Irish super-middleweight title); Apr 20 Curtis Valentine, Leeds L-KO 4; July 21 Joe Hillerby, Belfast RTD 6 (For vacant Irish super-middleweight title); Oct 13 Willie Thompson, Belfast PTS 10 (Irish super-middleweight title defence)

2013: Aug 8 Hector Camacho Jnr, Rochester, New York L-PTS 8

2014: Announced retirement on January 22

FIGHTS: 51 WON: 33 DREW: 1 NO-DEC: 2 LOST: 15

Eddie NESBITT

Featherweight Born: Belfast, 17 May, 1988.

2011: June 25 Marc McCullough, Craigavon L-RSF 2; Oct 8 Billy Lavelle, London PTS 4

2012: Nov 3 Damian Lawniczak, Dublin RSF 3

2013: Apr 27 Michael Stupart, Belfast PTS 6; May 11 Jon Slowey, Glasgow L-PTS 6; June 28 Stephen Smith, Liverpool L-KO 1; Sep 7 Michael Roberts, Glasgow L-PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 3 DREW: 0 LOST: 4

John Joe NEVIN

Super-featherweight Born: Mullingar, 7 June, 1989. Four Nations junior light-flyweight gold medallist, Liverpool, 2006; Irish Under-21 light-flyweight champion 2006 (walkover); Irish Under-19 flyweight champion 2007 (Prabjoj Singh); Dan Pozniak Junior Cup flyweight gold medallist, Vilnius, 2007; Irish bantamweight champion 2008 (TJ Doheny); Olympic qualifying tournament bantamweight gold medallist, Pescara, 2008; European Union Championships bantamweight gold medallist, Cetwieno, 2008; Reached second series in Olympic Gmes, losing to gold medallist Enkhbat Badar-Uugan (Mongolia); Irish bantamweight champion 2009 (Ryan Lindberg); European Union Championships bantamweight silver medallist, Odense, 2009; World Championships bantamweight bronze medallist, Milan, 2009; President's Cup bantamweight silver medallist, Baku, 2009; Irish bantamweight champion 2010 (Derek Thorpe); Grand Prix bantamweight gold medallist, Ostrava, 2010; Irish bantamweight champion 2011 (Tyrone McCullagh); Feliks Stamm Memorial bantamweight gold medallist, Warsaw, 2011; World Championships bantamweight bronze medallist, Baku, 2011; Irish bantamweight champion 2012 (Michael Nevin); Olympic Games bantamweight silver medallist, London, 2012; European Championships bantamweight gold medallist, Minsk, 2013.

2014: Mar 17 Alberto Candelaria, Boston PTS 6

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: O LOST: O

Noel O’BRIEN

Light-welterweight Born: Dublin, 24 December, 1978.

2010: Dec 10 Asen Vasilev, Dublin PTS 4

2011: Inactive

2012: Nov 3 Brandon Peake, Dublin RSF 4

2013: Mar 9 Tibor Meszaros, Dundalk RSF 2; May 14 Marco McCullough, Belfast L-RSF 3

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 4 WON: 3 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

John O’DONNELL

Welterweight Born: Galway, 13 November, 1985.

2004: Apr 16 Jason Nesbitt, Bradford PTS 4; June 2 Dave Hinds, Nottingham PTS 4; Sep 24 Chris Long, Nottingham RSF 4; Nov 12 Ernie Smith, London PTS 6

2005: Apr 10 Duncan Cotter, Brentwood PTS 4; July 9 Ben Hudson, Nottingham RSF 3; Oct 21 Ben Hudson, London PTS 4

2006: Jan 20 Matt Scriven, London RSF 4; Jan 28 Zaid Bediouri, Dublin PTS 6; Feb 17 Karl Taylor, London PTS 4; May 12 Duncan Cottier, London RTD 3; July 12 Darren Gethin, London PTS 8
Sep 15 Silence Saheed, London PTS 6; Dec 8 Ernie Smith, Dagenham KO 2

2007: Mar 23 Stuart Elwell, Nottingham PTS 10; (For vacant English welterweight title); May 5 Christian Solano, Las Vegas L-RSF 2

2008: May 10 Billy Smith, Nottingham PTS 4; June 27 Jay Morris, London RSF 6; July 19 Sergejs Volodins, Limerick RSF 5; Oct 4 Sergejs Savrinovics, Norwich RTD 3; Nov 15 Suleyman Dag, Castlebar RSF 3

2009: Apr 11 Craig Watson, London PTS 12 (Commonwealth welterweight title challenge); Sep 5 Tom Glover, Watford RSF 6

2010: May 7 Laszlo Robert Balogh, Widnes RSF 5; Sep 10 Terrance Cauthen, London PTS 12

2011: Feb 19 Craig Watson, London L-PTS 12 (For vacant British welterweight title)

2012: Apr 14 Martin Welsh, Belfast PTS 8; Oct 12 Tomas Mendez, Montreal PTS 8; Dec 1 Stephen Haughian, Belfast PTS 8

2013: July 6 Jay Morris, London PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 30 WON: 28 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Kevin O’HARA

Super-featherweight Born: Belfast, September 21, 1981. Irish featherweight runner-up 2001 (John Paul Campbell).

2002: Nov 2 Mike Harrington, Belfast RSF 1

2003: Feb 1 Jus Wallie, Belfast RSF 2; Mar 29 Jason Nesbitt, Portsmouth RSF 3; June 14 Piotr Niesporek, Magdeburg PTS 4; Oct 2 Wladimir Borov, Liverpool PTS 6; Oct 30 Henry Janes, Belfast PTS 6; Nov 29 Gareth Payne, Glasgow PTS 4

2004: Mar 6 Henry Janes, Glasgow PTS 4; Apr 1 Buster Dennis, London PTS 4; May 6 Choi Tseveenpurev, Barnsley L-PTS 8; Oct 10 Jean Marie Codet, Belfast PTS 8

2005: June 17 Willie Limond, Glasgow L-PTS 10 (For vacant Celtic super-featherweight title); Nov 24 Damian Owen, Lurgan PTS 6

2006: May 20 Daniel Thorpe, Belfast PTS 6; Oct 26 Eric Patrac, Belfast PTS 6

2007: Nov 30 Henry Castle, London L-PTS 8

2008: Apr 19 Eddie Hyland, Dublin L-PTS 10 (For vacant Irish super-featherweight title); Nov 8 Robin Deakin, London RSF 1

2009: Feb 7 Silence Saheed, Craigavon RSF 3; May 15 Jon Baguley, Belfast PTS 6; June 19 Ricky Burns, Glasgow L-PTS 12 (Commonwealth super-featherweight title challenge); Nov 6 Mickey Coveney, Belfast PTS 6

2010: May 28 Gary Sykes, Huddersfield L-PTS 12 (British super-featherweight title challenge)

2011-2012: Inactive

2013: May 14 Michael Kelly, Belfast PTS 8 (For vacant Celtic Warrior light-welterweight title)

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 24 WON: 18 DREW: 0 LOST: 6

Eamonn O’KANE

Middleweight Born: Dungiven, 18 March, 1982. Irish middleweight runner-up 2003 (Andy Lee); Commonwealth Championships middleweight runner-up, Kuala Lumpur, 2003; Four Nations Championships middleweight gold medallist, Glasgow, 2004; Tammer tournament middleweight bronze medallist, Tampere, 2004; Irish middleweight runner-up 2005 (Andy Lee); Irish middleweight runner-up 2007 (Darren Sutherland); Commonwealth Championships middleweight gold medallist, Liverpool, 2007; Ulster middleweight champion 2008 (Martin Lynch); European Championships middleweight bronze medallist, Liverpool, 2008; Ulster middleweight runner-up 2009 (Stephen O’Reilly); Commonwealth Games middleweight gold medallist, New Delhi, 2010; Gee-Bee tournament middleweight silver medallist, Helsinki, 2010; Algirdas Socikas tournament middleweight silver medallist, Kaunas, 2010.

2011: June 4 Dmitrijus Kalinovskis, Cardiff RSF 1; June 25 Tommy Tolan, Craigavon RTD 5; Sep 10 Joe Rea, Belfast PTS 8

2012: Mar 17 Wayne Reed, Sheffield PTS 6; May 5 Anthony Fitzgerald, Belfast PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); May 5 Ryan Greene, Belfast RSF 1 (Semi-final of Prizefighter tournament); May 5 JJ McDonagh, Belfast PTS 3 (Final of Prizefighter tournament); Sep 22 Terry Carruthers, Belfast PTS 6; Dec 8 John Ryder, London L-RSF 8 (British middleweight title eliminator)

2013: Feb 9 Gary Boulden, Belfast PTS 6; July 12 Anthony Fitzgerald, Dundalk PTS 10 (For vacant Irish middleweight title); Oct 19 Kerry Hope, Belfast PTS 12 (For vacant IBF Inter-Continental middleweight title)

2014: Apr 4 Alvaro Gaona, Belfast KO 1 (For vacant WBC International Silver middleweight title)

FIGHTS: 13 WON: 12 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Stephen ORMOND

Lightweight Born: Dublin, 18 April, 1983. Irish featherweight champion 2002 (Gavin Brown); Box-Am Tournament featherweight silver medallist, Tenerife, 2002; Irish featherweight champion 2003 (Eamonn Touhey); Four Nations Championships featherweight silver medallist, Cardiff, 2003; Irish lightweight champion 2005 (Dean Murphy).

2008: Oct 26 Juris Ivanovs, Killarney PTS 4

2009: Jan 30 Jevgenijs Kirillovs, Dublin PTS 4; Mar 19 Jonathan Ocassio, Worcester, Massachusetts RTD 1; June 5 Sergi Ganjelashvili, New York PTS 6; July 18 Israel Suarez, New York PTS 6; Nov 21 Andrew Costa, Crossville, Tennessee RSF 1

2010: Sep 4 Johnny Greaves, Glasgow PTS 4; Dec 4 Sebastien Cornu, Glasgow RSF 6

2011: Mar 12 Mickey Coveney, Glasgow RSF 7; June 25 Valentin Stoychev, Dublin RSF 5; Sep 9 Ibrar Riyaz, London PTS 8

2012:Mar 10 Paul Appleby, Glasgow L-PTS 10 (For vacant Celtic super-featherweight title); July 5 Mickey Coveney, London PTS 10

2013: May 3 Laszlo Robert Balogh, Dublin RSF 2 (For vacant World Boxing Union lightweight title); Sep 20 Adam Mate, London RSF 1 (For vacant WBO European lightweight title); Oct 7 Adam Dingsdale, London PTS 10 (WBO European lightweight title defence); Dec 7 Derry Mathews, Liverpool PTS 10 (WBO European lightweight title defence)

2014: Apr 4 Karim El Ouazghari, Belfast RSF 5 (WBO European lightweight title defence)

FIGHTS: 18 WON: 11 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Gary O’SULLIVAN

Middleweight Born: Cork, 14 July, 1984.

2008: Jan 26 Peter Dunn, Cork RSF 6; Mar 15 Robert Harris, Boston RSF 1; Apr 19 Tye Williams, Dublin RSF 1; July 5 Eugen Stan, Dublin PTS 6; Sep 13 Sergejs Volodins, Cork RTD 1; Oct 26 Idiozan Matos, Killarney RSF 3

2009: Mar 14 Jimmy LeBlanc, Dorchester, Massachusetts DSQ 4; Apr 25 Marcin Piatkowski, Cork KO 1; July 25 Arturs Jaskuls, Dublin PTS 6; Dec 4 Ciaran Healy, Cork PTS 10 (For vacant Irish middleweight title)

2010: June 26 Sylvain Touzet, Cork RSF 3

2011: May 21 Ryan Clark, London KO 1; June 25 Robbie Long, Dublin RSF 1 (Irish middleweight title defence)

2012: Mar 10 Paul Morby, Glasgow PTS 6; July 14 Matthew Hall, London PTS 12 (For vacant WBO International middleweight title)

2013: May 3 Tadas Jonkus, Dublin RSF 3; July 20 Billy Joe Saunders, London L-PTS 12 (WBO International middleweight title defence)

2014: June 5 Jose Medina, Boston PTS 6

FIGHTS: 18 WON: 17 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Brandon PEAKE

Welterweight Born: Ballyhaunis, 5 July, 1993.

2012: Aug 17 Michael Waldron, Castlebar L-PTS 4; Nov 3 Noel O’Brien, Dublin L-RSF 4

2013: Mar 9 Willie Mitchell, Dundalk L-RSF 3

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 3 WON: 0 DREW: 0 LOST: 3

Ryan PEAKE

Featherweight Born: Ballyhaunis, 26 October, 1994.

2013: Nov 2 Tibor Meszaros, Dublin RSF 3

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Allan PHELAN

Featherweight Born: Newbridge, 8 November, 1991. Black Diamonds Cadet Cup gold medallist, Myszkow, 2007. Based in New York.

2010: Nov 20 Joshua Arocho, New York L-RSF 4

2011: Inactive

2012: Sep 22 Micah Branch, New York L-PTS 4

2013: Feb 16 Juan Guzman, Santiago de los Caballeros RSF 1; May 5 Jimmy Small, New York KO 2; Sep 21 Benjamin Burgos, New York RSF 2

2014: Mar 22 Tomi Archambault, New York KO 3

FIGHTS: 6 WON: 4 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Derek POTTER

Super-featherweight Born: Belfast, 20 September, 1994.

2014: May 10 Ben Mulligan, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Gavin PRUNTY

Middleweight Born: Dublin, 3 October, 1983.

2009: Apr 18 Ibrar Riyaz, Galway L-PTS 4; Oct 24 Asen Bonev, Dublin RSF 1; Dec 12 Kaloyan Kyuchukov, Dublin KO 1

2010: Aug 7 Johnny Greaves, Dublin PTS 4; Sep 11 Arek Malek, Dublin PTS 4; Nov 6 Marijus Kravciukas, Limerick L-PTS 4; Dec 10 Franck Aiello, Dublin RSF 3

2011-2012: Inactive

2013: Aug 29 Ozan Craddock, Eatons Hill, Queensland L-PTS 6; Sep 20 Dennis Hogan, Brisbane L-PTS 8 (For vacant Celtic light-middleweight title)

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 9 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 4

Jason QUIGLEY

Middleweight Born: Ballybofey, 19 May, 1991. Irish Under-21 champion, 2008
Irish Intermediate champions, 2008; Dan Pozniak Junior Cup silver medallist, Vilnius, 2008; Dan Pozniak Youth Cup gold medallist, Vilnius, 2009; European Youth Championships gold medallist, Szczecin, 2009; Irish Youth welterweight champion, 2009 (Gary Molloy); International Round Robin (v England, Germany and Italy), Dublin, 2009; Irish middleweight runner-up 2010 (Darren O’Neill); Grand Prix tournament middleweight gold medallist, Ostrava, 2010; Irish middleweight runner-up 2011 (Darren O’Neill); Gee-Bee tournament middleweight gold medallist, Helsinki, 2011; Algirdas Socikas tournament - gold medallist, Kaunas, 2012; Irish Under-23 middleweight champion 2012 (Michael Reilly); European Under-22 Championships middleweight gold medallist, Kaliningrad, 2012; Irish middleweight champion 2013 (Roy Sheahan); Grand Prix tournament middleweight gold medallist, Usti, 2013; European Championships middleweight gold medallist, Minsk, 2013; Three Nations tournament middleweight gold medallist, Berck-sur-Mer, 2013; World Championships middleweight silver medallist, Almaty, 2013.

2014: July 12 Howard Reece, Las Vegas RSF 1

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Paul QUINN

Featherweight Born: Annalong, 7 December, 1990.

2012: Oct 13 Ignac Kassai, Belfast PTS 4; Dec 1 Tibor Meszaros, Belfast PTS 4

2013: Apr 27 David Kis, Belfast RSF 1; Nov 9 Sajid Khan, Belfast RSF 1

2014: Mar 21 Joe Beedon, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Joe REA

Middleweight Born: Ballymena, 24 July, 1983.

2004: June 11 Devin Womack, Plymouth, Massachusetts RSF 1; Aug 10 Henry Dukes, Hyannis, Massachusetts NO-CON 2; Oct 1 Robert Muhammad, Boston PTS 4

2005: Mar 25 Jerald Lowe, Boston RSF 3; Apr 1 Cory Phelps, New Haven, Connecticut RSF 2; Nov 19 Michael Rayner, Boston RSF 1

2006: July 7 Valentino Jalomo, Hyannis, Massachusetts DREW 4

2007: Inactive

2008: Apr 13 Jamie Ambler, Birmingham PTS 4; Nov 22 Martin Murray, London L-PTS 3 (Quarter-Final of Prizefighter tournament)

2009: Nov 6 Phillip Townley, Belfast PTS 4

2010: Inactive

2011: Feb 12 Dominik Britsch, Muelheim, Germany L-PTS 8; Mar 5 Grzegorz Proksa, Huddersfield L-KO 4; June 4 Patrick Nielsen, Copenhagen L-RSF 3; July 10 Kenny Anderson, Colne L-RTD 4; Sep 10 Eamonn O’Kane, Belfst L-PTS 8; Sep 17 Levan Ghvamichava, Belfast L-RTD 1

2012: May 5 Simon O’Donnell, Belfast PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); May 5 JJ McDonagh, Belfast L-PTS 3 (Semi-final of Prizefighter tournament); Aug 25 Florian Wildenhof, Prembroke, Malta L-DSQ 6; Sep 14 Frank Buglioni, London L-RSF 2; Nov 3 Brendan Fitzpatrick, Dublin L-PTS 8 (For vacant Celtic Warrior super-middleweight title)

2013: Mar 9 Myles Cash, London L-PTS 4; June 14 Eddie Lenart, Hurstville, New South Wales PTS 6

2014: Apr 25 Rocky Jerkic, Hurstville, New South Wales L-RSF 1; June 27 Michael Zerafa, Malvern L-PTS 8

FIGHTS: 25 WON: 9 DREW: 1 NO-CON: 1 LOST 14

Stephen REYNOLDS

Cruiserweight Born: Sligo, 21 June, 1973. Irish super-heavyweight champion 1997 (Brendan Kirrane); Irish super-heavyweight champion 1998 (John Kinsella); Irish heavyweight champion 1999 (John McDonagh); Irish heavyweight champion 2000 (John Kiely); Irish heavyweight champion 2001 (John Kiely); Four Nations Championships heavyweight gold medal, Liverpool, 2001; Feliks Stamm Memorial heavyweight silver medallist, Warsaw, 2001.

2012: July 21 Moses Matovu, Belfast PTS 4; Nov 3 Ruslan Bitarov, Dublin RSF 2

2013: Sep 14 Declan Trainor, Belfast RSF 6 (For vacant Celtic Nations cruiserweight title)

FIGHTS: 3 WON: 3 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Martin ROGAN

Heavyweight Born: Belfast, 1 May, 1974. Irish super-heavyweight runner-up 2003 (Thomas Crampton); Irish super-heavyweight champion 2004 (Jimmy Upton).

2004: Oct 28 Lee Mountford, Belfast RSF 1

2005: Mar 18 Billy Bessey, Belfast PTS 4; June 4 Tony Booth, Manchester RSF 2

2006: May 20 Darren Morgan, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 7 Paul King, Belfast PTS 6; Oct 26 Jevgenijs Stamburskis, Belfast RSF 3

2007: Oct 13 Radcliffe Green, Belfast RSF 2

2008: Apr 11 Alex Tibbs, London RSF 2 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); Apr 11 Dave Ferguson, London PTS 3 (Semi-final of Prizefighter topurnament); Apr 11 David Dolan, London PTS 3 (Final of Prizefighter tournament); Dec 6 Audley Harrison, London PTS 10

2009: Feb 28 Matt Skelton, Birmingham RSF 11 (Commonwealth heavyweight title challenge); May 15 Sam Sexton, Belfast L-RSF 8 (Commonwealth heavyweight title defence); Nov 6 Sam Sexton, Belfast L-RTD 6 (Commonwealth heavyweight title challenge)

2010: Nov 6 Yavor Marinchev, Limerick RSF 1; Nov 20 Werner Kreiskott, Castlebar PTS 6

2011: Inactive

2012: Apr 14 Tyson Fury, Belfast L-RSF 5 (For vacant Irish heavyweight title)

2013: Feb 9 Ladislav Kovarik, Belfast PTS 4; Feb 23 Albert Sosnowski, London RSF 3 (Quarter-final of Prizefighter tournament); Feb 23 Audley Harrison, London L-PTS 3 (Semi-final of Prizefighter tournament); Nov 16 Erkan Teper, Ludwigsburg L-RSF 1

2014: June 4 Michael Sprott, Auckland L-PTS 3 (Quarter-final of Super 8 tournament)

FIGHTS: 22 WON: 16 DREW: 0 LOST: 6

LEON SENIOR

Light-heavyweight Born: Dublin, 1 April, 1980.

2007: Nov 18 Michael Banbula, London PTS 4

2008: Jan 31 David Gentles, London L-PTS 6; Mar 22 Sandris Tomsons, Dublin PTS 4; May 16 Ricky Strike, London PTS 4

2009-2011: Inactive

2012: May 26 Paul Morris, Brentwood PTS 4; July 7 Vygaudas Laurinkus, London PTS 4; Sep 15 Jevgenijs Andrejevs, London PTS 4; Dec 8 Bartlomiej Grafka, Brentwood PTS 6

2013: Mar 9 Danny Couzens, London PTS 10 (For vacant Southern Area light-heavyweight title); July 5 Egidijus Kakstys, London PTS 6; Sep 20 Dan Woodgate, Gillingham PTS 10 (Southern Area light-heavyweight title defence); Nov 16 Arfan Iqbal, Greenhithe L-RSF 6

2014: Mar 15 Tony Hill, Reading T-DRAW 2 (Southern Area light-heavyweight title defence); May 17 Bob Ajisafe, Leeds L-RSF5

FIGHTS: 13 WON: 10 DREW: 1 LOST: 2

Philip SUTCLIFFE

Light-welterweight Born: Dublin, 27 June, 1989. Irish light-welterweight champion 2009 (John Joe Joyce); European Union Championships light-welterweight bronze medallist, Odense, 2009; Grand Prix multi-nations welterweight silver medallist, Usti, 2009; Algirdas Socikas tournament light-welterweight gold medallist, Kaunas, 2010; Irish light-welterweight runner-up 2011 (Ross Hickey); Algirdas Socikas tournament light-welterweight bronze medallist, Kaunas, 2012.

2013: Mar 9 Zoltan Kovacs, Dundalk RSF 1; May 14 Liam Finn, Belfast RSF 2; July 12 Radoslav Mitev, Dundalk RSF 1; Oct 19 Lubos Priehradnik, Belfast RSF 4; Nov 2 Karoly Lakatos, Dublin RSF 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 5 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Michael SWEENEY

Light-heavyweight Born: Ballinrobe, 17 January, 1983.

2007: Oct 20 Leonid Dmitrichenko, Dublin RSF 3; Dec 15 Klaids Kristapsons, Dublin PTS 4

2008: Feb 2 Remigijus Ziausys, Limerick PTS 4; Mar 15 David Williams, Boston DREW 4; Apr 12 Roland Horvath, Castlebar RSF 4; July 5 Stan Catalin, Dublin RSF 2; Sep 13 Aleksandrs Dunecs, Cork RSF 2

2009: May 23 Mark Nilsen, Castlebar PTS 6; Sep 26 Jamie Power, Dublin RSF 3; Dec 19 Felipe Romero, Tuxtla Gutierrex, Mexico L-RSF 8

2010: May 15 Tommy Tolan, Limerick PTS 4

2011: Mar 19 Ian Tims, Dublin L-PTS 10 (For vacant Irish cruiserweight title); Aug 12 John Waldron, Castlebar RTD 3; Sep 10 Billy Boyle, Brighton PTS 8

2012: Apr 14 Darren Corbett, Belfast PTS 6; May 11 Stephen Simmons, Glasgow L-RTD 3

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 16 WON: 12 DREW: 1 LOST: 3

Damian TAGGART

Welterweight Born: Omagh, 24 November, 1982.

2007: Dec 8 Peter Dunn, Belfast PTS 4

2008: Mar 29 Janis Chernouskis, Letterkenny L-RSF 1; Nov 15 Jevgenijs Fjodorovs, Castlebar RSF 3

2009: Nov 6 Johnny Greaves, Magherafelt PTS 4; Dec 5 Wladimir Borov, Dublin PTS 6

2010: Inactive

2011: June 25 Giuseppe Deprato, Craigavon PTS 4; Sep 10 Sid Razak, Belfast L-RSF 2

2012 - 2013: Inactive

2014: June 14 Alfredo Meli, Belfast L-PTS 4; July 12 Max Maxwell, Birmingham L-PTS 8

FIGHTS: 9 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 4

James TENNYSON

Super-featherweight Born: Belfast, 6 August, 1993. Irish Under-21 lightweight runner-up 2011 (Mark O’Hara); Ulster lightweight runner-up 2012 (James Fryers, staged in December 2011).

2012: Sep 8 Fikret Remziev, Belfast RSF 4; Oct 13 Tibor Meszaros, Belfast RSF 1; Nov 3 Ignac Kassai, Dublin RSF 1; Dec 7 Mickey Coveney, Wishaw PTS 6

2013: Mar 9 David Kis, Dundalk RSF 1; Apr 27 Mickey Coveney, Belfast RSF 2 (For vacant Irish super-featherweight title); May 24 David Kanalas, Liverpool KO 2; June 28 Andrei Hramyka, Belfast RSF 1; Oct 19 Pavel Senkovs, Belfast L-RSF 2

2014: Apr 18 Ignac Kassai, Budapest RSF 3; May 10 Ian Bailey, Belfast PTS 8

FIGHTS: 11 WON: 10 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Willie THOMPSON

Welterweight Born: Ballyclare, 2 January, 1980.

2007: June 30 Paul Royston, Belfast PTS 4; Aug 25 Artur Jashkul, Dublin PTS 4; Oct 13 Peter Dunn, Belfast PTS 6; Dec 8 Duncan Cottier, Belfast PTS 4

2008: Mar 22 Semjons Morosheks, Dublin PTS 4; May 31 Janis Chernouskis, Belfast PTS 6; Dec 18 Karl Chiverton, Dublin DREW 4

2009: May 15 Michael Jennings, Belfast L-RSF 4

2010: Oct 10 Ashley Theophane, London L-PTS 6; Nov 19 Paul Burns, Wilshaw L-PTS 6

2011: Mar 5 Kris Carslaw, Scotstoun L-PTS 10 (British Masters light-middleweight title challenge)

2012: Apr 14 Joe Hillerby, Belfast L-PTS 10 (For vacant Northern Ireland light-middleweight title); Sep 8 Liam Griffiths, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 13 Lee Murtagh, Belfast L-PTS 10 (Irish light-middleweight title challenge)

2013: Inactive

2014: June 6 Liam Griffiths, Belfast PTS 4

FIGHTS: 15 WON: 8 DREW: 1 LOST: 6

Ian TIMS

Light-heavyweight Born: Dublin, 4 December, 1979. Irish middleweight runner-up 1999 (Conall Carmichael); Irish light-heavyweight champion 2002 (Michael McDonagh); Box-Am Tournament light-heavyweight silver medallist, Tenerife, 2002; Irish heavyweight champion 2005 (Alan Reynolds); Irish heavyweight runner-up 2006 (Alan Reynolds); Four Nations Championships heavyweight silver medallist, Dublin, 2006; Irish heavyweight champion 2007 (John Sweeney).

2008: Mar 22 Klaids Kristapsons, Dublin PTS 4; Apr 19 Mirica Edvardo, Dublin PTS 4; July 12 Jevgenijs Andrejevs, Dublin PTS 4; Sep 13 Alexander Ignatov, Cork RTD 1; Oct 26 Remigijus Ziausys, Killarney PTS 6

2009: Jan 30 Jevgenijs Stamburskis, Dublin PTS 6; Dec 4 Radoslaw Musial, Cork RSF 2

2010: Inactive

2011: Jan 30 Viktor Szalai, Dublin RSC 3; Mar 19 Michael Sweeney, Dublin PTS 10 (For vacant Irish cruiserweight title)

2012: Jan 21 Juho Haapoja, Seinajoki L-PTS 12 (European Union cruiserweight title challenge); Sep 7 Tony Conquest, London L-RTD 7 (For vacant WBO International cruiserweight title)

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 11 WON: 9 DREW: 0 LOST: 2

Tommy TOLAN

Middleweight Born: Belfast, 4 November, 1973.

2001: Nov 16 Tomas Da Silva, Dublin L-RSF 6

2002: Inactive

2003: Apr 5 Ray Atherton, Belfast RSF 2; Oct 4 George Robshaw, Belfast L-PTS 4; Nov 22 Wes Flemming, Belfast RSF 1

2004: Inactive

2005: May 14 Michael Banbula, Dublin PTS 4

2006 - 2009: Inactive

2010: May 15 Michael Sweeney, Limerick L-PTS 4; Aug 7 JJ McDonagh, Dublin KO 3; Dec 15 Tony Jeffries, Belfast L-RSF 2

2011: June 25 Eamonn O’Kane, Craigavon L-RTD 5; Sep 17 Joe Hillerby, Belfast L-PTS 4; Oct 15 Rocky Fielding, Liverpool L-PTS 6; Dec 14 Billy Joe Saunders, London L-RSF 1

2012: Feb 25 Liam Williams, Cardiff L-PTS 4; Mar 10 Callum Johnson, Glasgow L-RSF 1; Apr 14 Dee Walsh, Belfast L-RSF 4; July 21 Paul Moffett, Belfast DREW 4; Sep 21 David Brophy, Glasgow L-PTS 4; Nov 9 Paul Smith, Liverpool L-RTD 4

2013: Feb 9 Callum Smith, Belfast L-RSF 1; July 12 Luke Keeler, Dundalk L-PTS 4

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 20 WON: 4 DREW: 1 LOST: 15

Declan TRAINOR

Cruiserweight Born: Warrenpoint, 11 August, 1988. Irish Junior welterweight runner-up 2005 (Martin Lynch); Irish Under-19 light-heavyweight champion 2007 (Ciaran McAuley); Ulster heavyweight runner-up 2009 (John Sweeney, walkover).

2010: July 22 Jamie Bogovic, Fairfield, New South Wales RSF 1

2011 - 2012: Inactive

2013: Mar 9 Tamas Danko, Dundalk RSF 1; Sep 14 Stephen Reynolds, Belfast L-RSF 6 (For vacant Celtic Nations cruiserweight title)

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 3 WON: 2 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

Sean TURNER

Heavyweight Born: Dublin, 2 April, 1991.

2014: June 14 Zoltan Elekes, Belfast RSF 1

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Anthony UPTON

Light-welterweight Born: London, 15 January, 1992. Raised in Dublin and Belfast. Based in Romford.

2013: Oct 18 Dan Carr, London PTS 4

2014: Mar 21 Alec Bazza, Belfast RSF 4; Apr 26 Kristian Laight, London PTS 4

FIGHTS: 3 WON: 3 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Paul UPTON

Light-middleweight Born: London, 12 July, 1989. Raised in Dublin and Belfast. Based in Romford.

2013: July 27 Dee Mitchell, London PTS 4; Oct 18 Duane Green, London PTS 4

2014: Mar 8 Kevin McCauley, Peterborough PTS 4; Apr 26 Jason McArdle, London PTS 4

FIGHTS: 4 WON: 4 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Sonny UPTON

Light-welterweight Born: London, 27 June, 1989.

2013: Nov 16 Nabil Krissi, Vratsa, Bulgaria L-PTS 6; Dec 6 Traian Dimitrov, Pavia, Italy RSF 2

2014: Feb 15 Kevin McCauley, London PTS 4; May 31 Zoltan Bali, Teguise, Canary Islands KO 1

FIGHT: 4 WON: 3 DREW: 0 LOST: 1

John WALDRON

Light-heavyweight Born: Ballyhaunis, 4 March, 1975.

2008: Oct 26 Ciaran Healy, Killarney L-PTS 4

2009: Jan 30 James Tucker, Dublin PTS 4; Apr 18 Danny Couzens, Galway L-DSQ 4; May 23 Romans Sevcenko, Castlebar RTD 2; Oct 24 Jamie Norkett, Dublin RSF 7; Nov 14 Martins Kukulis, Limerick PTS 6

2010: May 15 Jamie Power, Limerick PTS 10 (For vacant Irish light-heavyweight title); Aug 7 Andrejs Barabanovs, Dublin L-RSF 6; Nov 20 Ciaran Healy, Castlebar L-RSF 5 (Irish light-heavyweight title defence)

2011: Aug 12 Michael Sweeney, Castlebar L-RTD 3; Oct 22 Robert Woge, Tuebingen, Germany L-RSF 2

2012: Jan 21 Paddy McDonagh, Liverpool L-PTS 10 (For vacant Irish light-heavyweight title); June 30 Jamie Kelly, Halifax L-PTS 4; Aug 17 Brendan Fitzpatrick, Castlebar L-RSF 3; Nov 3 Ray Ginley, Dublin L-RSF 3

2013: Mar 16 Jamie Kelly, Leeds L-RSF 2

2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 16 WON: 5 DREW: 0 LOST: 11

Michael WALDRON

Welterweight Born: Ballyhaunis, 24 April, 1988.

2012: Aug 17 Brandon Peake, Castlebar PTS 4

2013-2014: Inactive to date

FIGHTS: 1 WON: 1 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Dee WALSH

Light-middleweight Born: Belfast, 4 January, 1990.

2011: Sep 17 Gerard Healy, Belfast PTS 4

2012: Feb 18 Lee Noble, Rotherham PTS 4; Apr 14 Tommy Tolan, Belfast RSF 4; June 30 Julio Sanchez, Malaga PTS 4; Sep 22 Robert Studzinski, Belfast PTS 6

2013: Inactive

2014: May 10 Krisztian Duka, Belfast RSF 1; June 14 Jozsef Kormany, Belfast RSF 1 (For vacant International Masters Bronze title)

FIGHTS: 7 WON: 7 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

Martin Joseph WARD

Lightweight Born: Leeds, 13 July, 1991. European Union Cadet Championships gold medallist, Porto Torres, 2007; World Cadet Championships bronze medallist, Baku, 2007; Brandenburg Junior Cup flyweight silver medallist, Frankfurt, 2008; Pyynikki Junior Tournament gold medallist, Tampere, 2008; Dan Pozniak Junior Cup bantamweight bronze medallist, Vilnius, 2009; Tammer Tournament featherweight gold medallist, Tampere, 2009; European Youth Championships featherweight gold medallist, Szczecin, 2009; English featherweight champion 2010 (Ryan Farrag); British Championships lightweight gold medallist, Manchester, 2010; Strandja Memorial lightweight silver medallist, Pazardzhik, 2011; Algirdas Socikas Tournament lightweight gold medallist, Kaunas, 2011; Olympic Test Event lightweight gold medallist, London, 2011.

2012: Sep 8 Kristian Laight, London PTS 4; Sep 22 Simas Volosinas, Belfast PTS 4; Nov 17 Dan Carr, Nottingham PTS 4; Dec 8 Dougie Curran, London PTS 4

2013: Mar 9 Kevin Hanks, London RTD 5; May 25 Andrew Harris, London RSF 3; Dec 14 Ben Wager, London RSF 6

2014: Mar 1 Craig Woodruff, Glasgow RSF 4; May 21 Reynaldo Cajina, Leeds PTS 4; May 31 Ian Bailey, London DREW 4

FIGHTS: 10 WON: 9 DREW: 1 LOST: 0

Luke WILTON

Bantamweight Born: Barking, 12 May, 1988. Based in Belfast.

2008: Mar 29 Istvan Ajtai, Letterkenny RSF 1; Apr 19 Delroy Spencer, Dublin PTS 4; May 31 Kemal Plavci, Belfast PTS 4; Dec 18 Usman Ahmed, Dublin L-PTS 4

2009: Apr 25 Delroy Spencer, Belfast PTS 4; May 15 Anwar Alfadi, Belfast DREW 6; June 28 Delroy Spencer, Luton L-PTS 4; Nov 6 Kevin Coglan, Belfast PTS 4; Nov 20 Muharen Osmanov, Belfast RSF 1

2010: May 8 Sali Mustafov, Belfast RSF 1; Dec 15 Usman Ahmed, Belfast PTS 6

2011: May 28 Salim Salimov, Belfast RSF 3; Sep 10 Arpad Vass, Belfast PTS 6

2012: Apr 27 Francis Miyeyusho Belfast RSF 1 (For vacant International Masters super-flyweight title); Sep 8 Galin Paunov, Belfast RSF 3; Nov 3 Stefan Slavchev, Dublin RSF 2

2013: Feb 23 Kevin Satchell, Liverpool L-PTS 12 (British flyweight title challenge); June 28 Kallum De’Ath, Belfast PTS 6; Nov 9 Valentin Marinov, Belfast PTS 6

2014: Mar 1 Lee Haskins, Bristol L-RSF 2; May 10 Stefan Slavchev, Belfast PTS 6

FIGHTS: 21 WON: 16 DREW: 1 LOST: 4

Matthew WILTON

Middleweight Born: Belfast, 20 May, 1990.

2012: Apr 27 James Smith, Belfast RTD 1; Sep 8 Gavin Putney, Belfast PTS 4; Oct 13 Liam Griffiths, Belfast PTS 4; Dec 1 Jozsef Garai, Belfast PTS 4

2013: Mar 9 Milos Baraz, Dundalk RSF 1; Apr 27 Johnny Greaves, Belfast RSF 4; June 28 Ideh Ochuko, Belfast PTS 8; Nov 9 Matt Seawright, Belfast PTS 4

2014: Mar 21 Lewie O’Mara, Belfast PTS 6

FIGHTS: 9 WON: 9 DREW: 0 LOST: 0

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