Craig O’Brien believes “all my hard work will pay off” in first title fight
‘The Iron’ is feeling confident ahead of his maiden title challenge.
Inner city light middleweight Craig O’Brien [5(0)-0] will take a step up to fight for the BUI Celtic title on the ‘Champions Elect’ card at the National Stadium on October 7th and is adamant he is ready to progress to the next level in just his sixth fight.
One of Ireland’s more naturally talented operators admits he thought a third successive six rounder was the next pit stop on the career road map, but is more than happy to motor on to title level.
Indeed to borrow a phrase from UFC the popular puncher, who made his debut at a weeks notice back in 2015, believes ‘its time’.
“I feel it’s the right time to fight for a title. At first I would have liked to fight another six rounder but feck it, I had two six rounders already this year, so yeah I feel its the right time to fight for a title,” he told Irish-Boxing.com.
“Obviously starting this boxing game out you dream of winning and fighting for a title so it might not be the best title but it’s a world title to me.”
“Fighting for your first title gives you a massive boost, but I feel this will be a stepping stone to bigger things for me. It’s great to see my hard work paying off and I am really looking forward to it.”
O’Brien’s clash on the Red Corner Promotions card in Dublin this coming October doesn’t just see him take a more high profile slot on the card or step up in rounds.
The Paschal Collins-trained fighter also takes a step up in class. Manning the opposite corner on October 7th in the National Stadium will be former Welsh middleweight champion Lee Churcher [14(4)-3(2)-1].
The 36 year old’s record makes for solid reading, but while O’Brien admits Churcher is the best he has fought, he is adamant the same applies to the Welsh fighter with regards to the Red Corner light middle.
“He is a very good opponent who has a very good record and on paper it’s a great fight. He is the best I’ve boxed but when you look into his record he hasn’t boxed anyone like me.”
“I will train for my hardest fight, but who knows it could be my easiest yet, we have to wait and see,” he added before confidently predicting an O’Brien win.
“Not doubt it will be a win for me. I will train for whatever my opponent brings. I will give him the respect he deserves, but on the night all my hard work will pay off with a great win,” he continued before sending a message to his sizeable fan base.
“Anyone looking for tickets can get me on Facebook or call me on 0851078220. I want to thank everyone for the support.”
Photo Credit: Laszlo Geczo Photography
