O’Kane to turn pro?
5 January 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Commonwealth Gold medallist Eammon OKane will be looking to emulate his significant amateur success in the paid ranks as he turns professional next month, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
The 28 year old, who captained the Northern Ireland boxing team to record success in the recent Commonwealth games, will ditch the head gear and vest and make his pro bow on the under-card of European light-welterweight champion Paul McCloskeys next bout.
A venue or opponent for Dungiven’s EBU Champion’s next contest has yet to be confirmed, but despite the fact the unbeaten stylist last opponent, Giuseppe Lauri has found a loop hole that entitles him to a rematch it seem McCloskey will fight a voluntary defence on February 12.
Meaning 28 year old OKane, who has bossed the Ulster middleweight division for a number of years and collected a European bronze medal in 2008, will make his debut on a Matchroom Promoted Sky broadcast card in just over a months time.
OKane will be managed by McCloskeys advisor Francie McNicholl and could benefit as an under card fighter as his friend and world number 4 in the WBC rankings, McCloskey, who will push for a World title shot in 2011.
Eamonns a very dedicated lad, he lives the life that you need too and Im sure that hell do very well as a professional, McNicholl is qouted as saying in the Telegraph.
We havent terms completely with Matchroom but they have said that Eamonn will make his debut on this bill and Matchroom would be the promoters we are leaning towards, he added before discussing McCloskeys future.
Pauls delighted that he is getting back into the ring at the start of the year and we hope that he can push on from here and fight for the world title. Paul is ranked at number four and should keep moving up with another successful European title defence so its looking like a very exciting year ahead. I think Lauri would rather wait around and hope Paul vacates the title. Were working on an opponent at the moment for Paul and a venue as well because the Kings Hall is not available that night.
