Gerard Healy to move weight – but title hopes remain

Gerard Healy [6(0)-4(1)-1] has confirmed a move to middleweight has scuppered a possible Celtic title clash with Craig O’Brien, but claims he is still Irish title keen and believes it’s his turn to get a green strap shot.

The popular Belfast fighter looked set to fight Dub O’Brien in his home town on Kieran Farrell’s next show in the city, but has been advised to move in weight by his trainers Ray Ginley and Dee Walsh.

That has put the brakes on a possible clash, but Healy will now have his eyes on a new set of potential opponents such as Darren Cruise, Alfredo Meli, or Irish champion Luke Keeler.

“I was to fight Craig but Ray and Dee said they don’t think I could make light middleweight anymore. They know me best so I made the move,” Healy told Irish-Boxing.com before suggesting that shouldn’t dampen his title hopes.

“It should be my time to box for the Irish title, they said I need a few good wins but I think am ready now and deserve my shot.”

The move also means a third fight with old rival John Hutchinson will be put on hold, but Healy claims he would fight O’Brien or the Donegal man if either go up to 160lbs.

“I am at middleweight now and I don’t think Craig wants to move up, if he does why not?”

“Craig is a very good boxer, if it happens it’s a 50/50 fight. We kind of box alike. We are both switch hitters and it has the makings of a good fight.”

“If Hutchison comes up it’s an easy fight to make, but it would have to be for Irish title. As you know I will fight anybody we will see what happens.”

Healy retunrned from almost two years out in April, outpointing Willie Warburton to avenge a 2012 defeat.

The 33 year old looks set to fight the 12th time as a pro on Farrell’s next Belfast installment, but is keen to appear on one of the many big cards that look set to play out in Belfast before the year is done.

“Boxing is going great in Ireland at the minute and I wouldn’t mind getting on one of them big shows as I am a big ticket seller and good to watch.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish