Big Odyssey show ripe for undercard talent to shine

Carl Frampton’s WBC final eliminator has been cemented in to place for April 4 and with it comes the possibility of some work for the healthy pool of Irish talent that is hanging on to the headliner’s coat tails. With Gary Hyde’s welcome February 15 card in Dublin and Alio Wilton’s Holiday Inn show in late March all ready to go it is great to see some slots opening up for domestic boxers.

“We will have a multitude of title fights on the undercard,” said Barry McGuigan, further adding to the anticipation that the Odyssey Arena event is already generating.

“It’s going to be a bumper bill. Some of the boxers are going to have to take risks to merit getting on the bill. We are already in discussions about putting together a terrific undercard.”

Speaking at the Europa Hotel press conference, specially organised to announce Frampton’s bout with Hugo Cazares, McGuigan hinted that undercard hopefuls would have to move outside the comfort zone to warrant a place on the card which will be televised live on BoxNation.

Cyclone’s latest signing Conrad Cummings will be hoping that valuable experience in the World Series of Boxing holds him in good stead when the Tyrone banger makes his professional debut in a proposed middleweight six-rounder. Marco McCullough’s breakout performance against former European champion Willie Casey on the Frampton-Parodi undercard could help secure his spot on the big bill with perhaps a Celtic title fight or similar in the offing. Big ticket seller Daniel McShane, super-flyweight talent Jamie Conlan and Dublin starlet Phil Sutcliffe Jnr will all fancy a chance to show off their abilities if called upon.