Hearn: There is more on the line than local pride when Fitzgerald and O’Sullivan fight

THERE is a lot more on the line than Irish pride when Cork’s Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and Dublin’s Anthony Fitzgerald trade leather in an eagerly anticipated ‘Civil War’ clash on the undercard of Matthew Macklin’s November 15 WBA World title eliminator, claims Eddie Hearn.

Indeed, the Matchroom promoter is adamant the ‘Return of the Mack’ card provides all participants with the chance to become part of a new and ‘special’ era for Irish boxing.

Hearn, who hopes to make Matthew Macklin versus Andy Lee next year, revealed Matchroom Promotions and Sky Sports Dublin visit is not a once off and revealed he has long term Irish plans.

Hearn is already looking at a second 3Arena show in the Spring and suggested those who impress come November 15 will progress to bigger fights come the Spring.

“There is a lot on the line for all fighters on the card. We are looking to come back here so its not a case of just one show and forget about it. We are looking to come back in the spring and all the winners can expect to be in bigger fights. It is a massive opportunity for all the fighters, but particularly Spike and Fitzy they are in a bustling middleweight division,” said Hearn.

“There are only so many we can put on this show, but anyone fighting in Ireland would want to be on this show because there isn’t enough fight cards here. So we have a stacked card on November 15. We really want to start and new era for Irish boxing and I think we are going to see that and we can create something special. Hopefully we can generate that big atmosphere we see when we are here for the darts and come back time and time again.”