Big fights only for Stephen Ormond following Brentwood warm-up

Stephen Ormond [26(13)-5(1)] is desperate for a huge lightweight fight in 2019.

‘The Rock’ returns to the ring and fights for the first time this year next weekend in what looks to be a tick-over bout scheduled for six rounds.

The Clondalkin puncher faces a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday March 9th and hopes victory will set him up for a big year.

The Paschal Collins-trained fighter has endured some of the worst luck in Irish boxing in recent years, but remains keen for at least one more major fight.

At 35, time is ticking but Ormond believes he still has what it takes to be a force and feels there are still attractive fights out there at 135lbs.

“I’d love to fight anybody in the 135 pound division. There are a lot of fighters out there for me to step into the ring with,” Ormond explained.

“I believe that with MTK Global alongside me we can produce these big fights, so I’m looking forward to see what’s next in my career after this fight at Brentwood.”

Ormond fought his managerial stablemate George Ashie in Glasgow back in August in his last fight but, while the Ghanaian was ranked by the WBO at the time, the Dubliner was not rewarded with a ranking.

There was a frustrating delay then when ‘The Rock’ was unable to secure a bout before the end of 2018 and now looks to restart on March 9th.

Afterwards, he hopes, it will be a major fight – perhaps with another one of his stablemates such as Gary Cully, while a rematch with Paul Hyland Jr also still appeals.

Ormond isn’t too concerned with the ‘who’ and outlined how “I’m just hoping to get a big fight as soon as possible and see where it brings me. I’ll get on there with anyone and upset the apple cart.”

The main event of the show in Brentwood sees Belfast-Pompey fighter Michael McKinson defend his WBC International Silver welterweight title against Ryan Kelly, while Mikey Sakyi puts his Southern Area super-lightweight title on the line against Idris Hill.

Alongside Ormond, the undercard also features Danny Dignum, Shaquille Day, DP Carr, Daniel Egbunike, Gino Kanters, Matt McCarthy, Lucas Ballingall, Harley Benn, James Hawley, Mtchell Frearson, Nurtas Azbenhov, and Kaan Hawes.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)