Next Belfast BoxNation card to feature Irish title fight?

The card for the next Belfast BoxNation card is filling up, with Lewis Crocker and the debut of Davey Oliver Joyce being added to the June 17th card in recent days.

Now an Irish title fight seems likely to be announced for the card at the Waterfront Hall.

While the heavyweight battle between Con Sheehan and Sean Turner seems unlikely due to ‘Big Sexy’s’ recent defeat, an Irish cruiserweight title match between Ian Tims and Luke Watkins looks set to be announced.

The Boxing Union of Ireland had authorised a clash between the pair late last year, and while Dubliner Tims [13(4)-3(2)] initially had eyes for a fight with Scotsman Stephen Simmons, he has since warmed to the idea of a meeting Watkins [10(6)-0] in the ring.

Tims, who previously held the belt after defeating Michael Sweeney in 2011, is managed by Mack The Knife Global and the Matthew Macklin-headed group recently won purse bids for the fight.

Swindon’s Watkins, whose mother hails from Wexford, is trained by Clare coach Paddy Fitzpatrick, and the Ennis man has revealed that the fight has been ordered to take place before June 20th.

Fitzpatrick also mused that the bout may therefore take place on the June 17th Belfast show, for which promoter Queensberry will be working in close co-operation with MTK.

It certainly seems likely and had indeed been mooted on these pages not too long ago.

Wherever and whenever it happens, the ten round title clash represents something of a crossroads clash, with ‘The Tank’ Tims looking to close out his career with some big wins while Watkins is hoping to move up through the ranks and claim a first title.

The winner must then defend against Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy [9(5)-1(0)].

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LISTEN: Mick Conlan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 4 of The Irish Boxing Show