Shannon Sweeney – “It’s going to take everything I have to come out with the win”

Ray Moylette may have moved to the pros, but there is another up and coming Mayo star making waves out of St Anne’s BC in Westport.

Shannon Sweeney recently won the Under 22 crown at light flyweight, and is now eager to add the Elite Senior title to her collection.

The Connacht fighter takes on Kristina O’Hara in the 48kg final on Friday night, opening the sixteen-fight show at the National Stadium, and is anticipating a tough fight.

18 year old Sweeney admits to having nerves ahead of the bout, but believes that her and her Belfast opponent will put on a show

“Yes, of course, it’s my first time entering the Elites. I think everyone has nerves going into fights like these,” she told Irish-Boxing,com. “It’s the next level up for me so its gonna take everything I have for three rounds. People will see a good fight from start to finish until the final bell rings.”

The lack of entries ensures that, not only is the competition Sweeney’s first Elite affair, she will also debut in the final – something which also happened to Monaghan’s Stevie McKenna in last year’s light flyweight decider. The talented teen is not worried however following her title-winning displays last month.

She explained that “It doesn’t matter to me as I already have two fights behind me in the 3×3 minute rounds format. I am feeling sharp and ready to step into the ring Friday night.”

In O’Hara, Sweeney faces an opponent whom she is unfamiliar with – but she is expecting to be tested to her very limits. Sweeney described how “I’ve heard about her, but I have never seen her box. I’m sure she a tough girl and it’s going take everything I have to come out with the win.”

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Eric Donovan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 2 of the Irish Boxing Show: