Darren O’Neill thinks big after move to heavyweight

DARREN O’Neill claims he is ready to battle the big guys and is confident going into this years National Senior Championships despite jumping from middleweight to heavyweight.

Indeed the London 2012 Olympic Captain, who is in semi final action this weekend, believes he can claim the National crown before going on to make an impression at the this years Europeans.

The Kilkenny southpaw, a four time Irish middleweight champ, admits its a ‘big move’ in weight, but is targeting Gary Sweeney’s belt.

He said: “It’s a big move up alright. Some of the boys are massive, but I know when I hit I can hurt. The plan will be to hit and move and not stand and trade as some of these boys are very big.

“It’s a huge tournament for us as the European Games, European Championships and World Championships are on this year. Two years ago I was beaten by Jason Quigley on a countback at the Nationals.

“I was sitting at home and Jason went on to win European gold and World silver. That’s how big the Nationals are, I want to get back on the major scene and I’d love the chance to go to the European Games.It all starts at the Nationals this week. This is the first step.”