Professional ‘natural’ Pierce O’Leary predicts world title success

Pierce O’Leary believes he is somewhat of a natural pro and has no worries with regard adapting to life without the vest.

The Dublin teen has been training with Pete Taylor for some time now and officially confirmed he was turning pro late last month.

An Irish international as an amateur, O’Leary won the Intermediate title last year as well as a number of underage crowns.

During that period he caught the eye of a number on the Irish boxing fraternity, but whilst heaping praise on his talents the ‘better as a pro’ caveat was often used.

The 19-year-old quickly became noted as one of those ‘suited to the pros’ amateurs with many predicting a bright paid future for the Dockland’s graduate.

Speaking not long after a debut date was confirmed for him – October 11 at the Ulster Hall – O’Leary seemed to suggest as much.

His coach Pete Taylor did tell Irish-boxing.com that some refinements would have to be made, but did stress the raw materials are all there – and having had some pro orientated sparring in Ballyfermot the fighter himself is confident he is tailor made for life without the vest.

“I’m delighted to have my first date to fight as a professional. I’m already in camp and I’m really enjoying the hard work,” said ‘Big Bang’.

“In terms of style, I don’t think there’s a lot to change because myself and everyone else think my natural game has always been more suited to professional boxing than amateur boxing.”

There were some faint questions as to whether O’Leary may have been best served delaying signing for MTK in favour of building a home fan base first.

However, 19-year-old isn’t overly concerned with his new management and promotional set up’s lack of presence in Dublin at present.

Indeed, he looks to how MTK’s most prominent Dubs have been progressed of late as inspiration as to just how fair they can bring him.

“I’ve been really impressed with how MTK Global have helped develop the careers of fighters like Jono [Carroll] and Luke [Keeler]. Those two guys trust their management and are able to focus on working hard in the gym to fulfil their dreams.

“I believe MTK Global will get me all the fights I need. They can guide me to fulfilling my own dreams and I believe I’ll become a world champion by the age of 23 or 24.”

Topping the bill in Belfast is a crucial flyweight clash between the world-class pair of Jay Harris and Paddy Barnes.

In addition, big names such as Marco McCullough, Sean McComb, Lewis Crocker, Gary Cully, Sean Duffy and Callum Bradley join O’Leary on what promises to be another special night of boxing at an iconic venue.