Craig O’Brien aiming to round off dream 2017 with Celtic Clash win

Less than two months after winning the BUI Celtic light middleweight title, Craig O’Brien [6(0)-0] is back in the ring in Dublin.

The inner-city stylist keeps sharp on Saturday night on the ‘Celtic Clash 4’ card at the National Stadium and looks to claim his fourth win of a transformative year.

Out for a year and a half previous, O’Brien has been given the opportunity and stepped it up in 2017, outpointing tough Spaniards Jorge Vallejo and Cristian Hoskin Gomez, before winning his first belt last month.

‘The Iron’ climbed off the canvas in the first round and bit down on his gumshield to defeat French slugger Alain Alfred over eight rounds.

With the step up in level comes a step up in intensity, and O’Brien is essentially a ‘full-time pro.’

The body though is still adjusting, and the 28 year old is eager for a few weeks off.

O’Brien outlined to Irish-Boxing.com how “every day is the same, two or three sessions a day, definitely two – a morning and an afternoon session, then if I’m up for it, I’ll go for a jog in the evening or early morning.”

“After the back of the last camp, I thought it would be good to stay active, but if I’m being honest, it’s been a tough little few weeks.”

“I’ve a few nigs and nags, but sure we’re the deep-hole now, we’ll fight, get the win, and have a good break. I need a good break.
It’s been a gruelling few weeks, but I’m looking forward to it, I’ll get it out of the way and have a nice Christmas.”

O’Brien will look to keep the momentum going this weekend against Daniel Przewieslik [2(2)-4(2)-1] over six rounds on the bill.

The Polish puncher, whose brother is a priest based in Dublin, fought Jay Byrne on ‘Celtic Clash 2’ back in May, losing 37-40.

Four wins certainly would round off a great comeback year for O’Brien, who notes how “this time last year I was doing nothing.”

“It’s been a great year for me – well, if I win this one, it’s been a great year for me!”

“This year’s been a great year, a good twelve months for me. If you said to me this time last year ‘you’ll have a title next year,’ I wouldn’t have dreamt it.”

“I’ll keep building, my name’s out there, then I want that Irish title next year.”

Photo Credit: Laszlo Geczo Photography