Ormond to get September title show
JUNE 28 Jonny Stapleton
Stephen Ormond claims he will buckle the first of many pro titles around his waist this September and is eager to begin a path that will eventually see him fulfil his potential over the coming years.
The prodigal son returned to the venue were he made his name as an amateur, the National Stadium, last Saturday night, and ensured the Dublin faithful were partying with an impressive knock out performance.
The man, who the great Bernard Dunne tipped to be his main attraction successor, broke Valentin Stoychev’s spirit with some crunching shots and a nice varied approach in the first four rounds before nearly breaking his neck with a massive right in the fifth.
And not long after the referee had halted proceedings with the safety of the tough Bulgarian in mind, Ormond was answering the most asked question in boxing, ‘whats next?’.
The Frank Warren promoted fighter revealed he could be out again on a Ricky Burn’s world title under card as early as July, but stressed the British promoter has promised him a title shot in September.
“I might be out in three weeks time in Liverpool, that has yet to be confirmed, but the main one for me is September, that will be a title shot. It should be a Commonwealth or EU title. It is very important to me to get a title now. I am 28 next year and I want shots now. I want to move up the ladder. Fighting my stable mate Ricky Burns for a world title was mentioned, but I need to get titles and wins to get into contention. Hopefully over the next year I can challenge bigger fighters. I plan to start fulfilling my potential this year,” Ormond said.
In turth the Clondalkin native and former St Matthews amateur was expected to brush aside Valentin Stoychev, but he looked impressive regardless.
He was keen to stress prior to the bout that fighting for the first time as a pro in the home of Irish boxing brought no added pressure, but it was clear from the first bell that Ormond wanted to add to his fifth KO to a now ten fight record.
“He was a tough lad and was bigger than me. He took some good shots. Although I said I wasn’t under pressure to perform I did want to stop him. That’s why we took a six rounder. I am better over a distance I can grind lads down. I am learning from Pascal Collins and we brought a lot of stuff from the gym into that fight. Working with Frank will open doors and Pascal is teaching me a lot. I have a good team and that is reflecting in today’s performance.”
