Spike and Hogan not the only Irish light middles with world champ Teixeira in their sights

Established Irish light middleweights Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and Dennis Hogan are the only Irish 154lbs fighters with WBO world champion Patrick Teixeira [31(22)-1(1)] in their sights.

Rising prospect Aaron McKenna [10(6)-0] also fancies a shot at the Brazilian.

Cork’s O’Sullivan has made no secret of his Teixeira intentions and has enjoyed some verbal back and forts with the title holder, while ‘The Hurricane’s’ team recently named the Brazilian on their 2021 hit list.

McKenna also wants a shot and believes he will be in the frame to fight his fellow Golden Boy promoted fighter by the time he is finished with 2021.

Upon entering the paid brigade, ‘The Silencer’ set a goal of securing a major world title strap by the age of 22. Thus far, Covid 19 has served as the stiffest opponent to realising his ambition.

However, it’s an ambition he still holds and one he believes he can achieve particularly is his promotional stablemate managed to keep hold of the title.

“This year was meant to be massive for me but the pandemic came,” explains the younger of two boxing brothers.

“Now Mick Hennessy has kindly given me an opportunity to show UK audiences what I can do. Over the next 12 months, I’ll cram in as many fights as I can and still intend being world champion by 22. The current WBO champ Patrick Teixeira is also with Golden Boy so it’s an easy fight to make.”

McKenna was speaking ahead of his first fight in 2020. The Freddie Roach trained fighter fights a yet to be confirmed opponent live on Channel 5 on a Hennessy Promotion this coming Friday.

Also in action on the card is brother Aaron, while Cathy McAleer fights live on Eurosport on the same night and Larry Fryers fights on Top Ranks card the day after.