Casey moving quickly

22 July 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

Willie Casey believes he has secured a European title eliminator ahead of Irish super bantamweight and EU Champion Paul Hyland because he decided against a safe career path.

If the Prizefighter winner defeats Emiliano Salvini (13-11-1) in City West on August 7 he will face either Kiko Martinez or Arsen Martirosyan, which takes place in Dublin on September 11, for the prestigious continental strap.

Dublin stylist, Hyland(17-1), was also mentioned as a potential EBU challenger and there are suggestions he has done more to earn a European tilt than nine fight novice, Casey.

However the Limerick native stressed he has taken the risks and now he is reaping the rewards.

Speaking in Crumlin boxing gym at the launch of Dolphil Promotions Home Coming Show, which also sees Irish champions Anthony Fitzgerald and John Waldron take to the ring, Casey stressed he is not in boxing to hang around.

Myself and my team have an understanding I dont want to be the kind of boxer that waits three or four years before I take a step up. Get me in there and well see if I am good enough. Thats how we got to this point and the European eliminator. There has been a lot of talk about me and Paul Hyland. I am going to be honest and admit I dont understand why Paul isnt European champion already. Why did he wait for me to come into the picture before he decided he needed to be mentioned as a contender. I think he should have been European champion two years ago. I cant see what he is waiting for and I dont know who he is hiding from. He is good enough why didnt he challenge, Casey explained.

Big Bang is ready to explode on a show being billed as a fight night with quality fights not just quality fighters and is confident of victory over the tricky Italian. The heavey handed pugilist would then like to take on Bernard Dunne destroyer Martinez but isnt worried which fighter he has to challenge for the EBU title.

It would be nice to have Kiko as a scalp considering his history in Ireland. People would be looking to me to do something to him that Bernard couldnt. But I dont mind who I fight the main thing is I am fighting for the title. For now well focus on this fight and get the win, but I am not worried about Kikos reputation or how mean he looks.

On Thursday it was confirmed that Casey would also box on Barry McGuigan’s Ulster Hall card on September 18.