Darren O’Neill names ‘ideal’ debut opponent

Darren O’Neill claims a fight with Dee Sullivan [2-1(1)] would be ideal for this summer.

The Olympian, who is patiently waiting to debut since turning over late last year, last week told Irish-boxing.com he would be willing to fight BUI super middleweight Padraig McCrory on his deubt.

‘The Hammer’ responded positively, but revealed he would pick an opponent that best suited his development.

The four time National Elite middleweight and two time heavyweight champion has since reasoned he may be too big for McCrory if a catchweight couldn’t be agreed and has switched his attention to another Irish fighter.

The London 2012 Olympic captain wants a fight with Dee Sullivan.

As an MTK fighter Sullivan could populate either of the two proposed Belfast summer shows, as well as a rumoured card yet to be discussed.

If ‘The Vanilla Gorrilla’ is to populate what should be all Irish cards, O’Neill wants to provide the opposition.

“McCrory is too light for me,” O’Neill said this week.

“If I was to be on a show in July it would have to be against a cruiser really. Dee O’Sullivan would actually be ideal. We could meet halfway between light heavy and cruiserweight.”

The Belfast big man holds a National Elite Championship win over O’Neill’s brother so there is narrative there.

The all Irish nature of any summer cards would boost O’Neill’s chances of securing the fight, but considering O’Sullivan suffered surprise defeat last time out it fighting a dangerous debutant may not be on the agenda.