Kiko wants Dunne deal
6 August 2010 – Jonny Stapleton
Brian Peters believes Bernard Dunne could be tempted to return to professional boxing if Kiko Martinez regains the European Super Bantamweight title on an action packed show planed for the National Stadium on September 11.
Martinez has Irish super bantamweight and EU champion Paulie Hyland as well as Prizefighter winner Willie Casey on his radar, but claims his main aim is to tempt former WBA world champion, Dunne out of retirement.
If the Spaniard defeats Armenian Arsen Martirosyan to regain the prestigious EBU title on show that also includes Brian Magees first European defence, Peters believes Dunne could be open to a rematch.
Speaking at the launch of a European influenced show at the Fighting Irish exhibition in GAA Head Quarters the promoter revealed, Paulie Hyland and Willie Casey are both in contention if Kiko comes through what is a tough fight on September 11. But there are options and some great fights there. I think Bernard could get itchy feet and himself and Kiko could certainly be a fight down the road. In boxing you never know.
Martinez, who beat Dunne in an amazing 87 seconds in 2007, is keen on breaking Irish hearts once more and is eager for a rematch with the Dubliner.
I would sign to fight Paul Hyland now if he wants. I think he is more qualified than Willie Casey. I am open to fighting Casey or Hyland, but I really would like a return fight with Bernard Dunne. I am concentrating on my next fight and winning that first, but after that there is only one fighter I want. I want Bernard Dunne to come out of retirement. My main aim is to fight Bernard Dunne, La Sensacion explained.
The Martinez-Martirosyan bout will complete one half of a historic European title double header on the September show. The headlined contest being Lisburn southpaw Brian Magees first Super Middleweight European title defence against Armenian, Roman Aramian.
Magee, who boasts the highest world ranking of any Irish boxer at present, makes his first paid appearance at the National Stadium on the Hunky Dorys Fight Night. The 35-year-old comes to Dublin after claiming the European title via a brilliant stoppage of Mads Larsen in Denmark and is excited about fighting in the capital.
Ive always had fond memories of boxing in the Stadium, Magee explained. I won Irish titles there from the juvenile ranks all the way through to the seniors as well as boxing in Internationals for Ireland. Its great to return to such familiar surroundings to make my first defence and I know I will get great support. I am delighted to being topping the bill. There is a lot to for me to fight for in this bout. I am really looking forward to it and I am sure I will get great support. Magee, who according to manager Pat Magee will fight for the WBA super middleweight tile very soon,” Magee said.
The eagerly awaited rubber match between Anthony Fitzgerald and Robbie Long will ensure a mouth-watering domestic clash is on the card. The Dublin duo have already fought two Fight of The Year contenders and the third instalment of Irish boxing Gatti-Ward equivalent will be for the Irish Super Middleweight title. Gavin Prunty, Luis Garcia, Mike Perez, Alexi Costa and debutant Brendan Fitzpatrick will also appear on the show.
