Bates on the up down under-Oz debut for Irishman

June 26 Jonny Stapleton

Irish boxing’s latest addition to the paid ranks Tony Bates is praying for his opponents safety ahead of his debut this weekend.

Bates left Ireland due the economic downfall and like so many of his peers has managed to get work on an expanding and Irish latent Australian boxing scene.

The former Dublin Junior and Leinster Intermediate champion makes his paid bow against the winless Troy Glover (0-8) at Olympic Park Sports Centre, Homebush, New South Wales, Australia on the under card of Billy Dibs World IBF title showdown with Jorge Laceiva.

The 23 year old believes only divine intervention can help his New South Wales counterpart and is predicting a destructive Irish win this Friday night.

“I am confident of winning. My preparation has gone excellent. May god bless my opponent,” Bates said.

Another product from the St Matthews production line that produced Irish champion Ian Tims and touted prospect Stephen Ormond, Bates claims his boxing has benefited in the sunny climes of Oz.

The fighter, who like Ormond, Tims, Kenny Egan and Bernard Dunne comes from Clondalkin, exudes passion and couldn’t be more excited about entered the ring without the vest and head guard for the first time.

“I moved to Australia three years ago due to the economic downfall in search of a fresh beginning. Since coming to Oz my boxing and my lifestyle has changed dramatically.

“I have improved and I am more focused now. I believe in my talent. I am very excited about getting in the ring on Friday. In fact I am ecstatic and passionate about making my debut. I am very grateful to Team Hussein for giving me the chance to fight on the bill and taking me on board,” he added before discussing his preparation.

“My preparation has been excellent with strength and conditioning work and top quality sparring. I have been training and sparring alongside Billy Dib, Garth Wood and top prospect Paul Flemming along with some other great pros at the gym.”

Unlike a lot of Irish youngsters Bates Oz stint isn’t drink or party filled and unlike a lot of Irish in Australia at present the Dubliner visit Down Under isnt temporary.

“My long term goals are to live in and fight out of Oz fighting for titles and fighting around the world doing what I love most, boxing, along the way.”