O’Kane looks to head Stateside before possible World title challenge

EAMONN O’Kane will get a fight in Stateside before trying to secure a World title fight says coach Paddy Fitzpatrick.

O’Kane moved up to number 3 in the IBF world ranking after his victory over Lewis Taylor in Derry early this month and now has a World title in his sights.

Limerick’s WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee is top of coach Fitzpatrick’s wish list, while IBF title challenger Hassan N’Dam, who is on managed by Cork man Gary Hyde, will be a strong possibility if he claims the crown.

However, a trip to America seems on the immediate horizon for the Derry middleweight.

“We are looking at Andy Lee – two Irishmen fighting for a world title,” said Fizpatrick speaking to the Derry Journal.

“Eamonn picked up a nasty cut in his fight (against Lewis Taylor) and that is going to take around five to six weeks to heal up,” he said.

“We’ve been talking to Gary Hyde, Hassan N’Dam’s manager, about a fight should he win the (IBF) world title.
“But I think the next move is to take Eamonn to the east coast of America as Irish fighters go down well there.”