Tallaght bill details
3 December 2010
With less then two weeks to Dolphil Promotions Christmas Cracker in Tallaght preparations have been heating up.
Headlining the event on December 10 in The National Basketball Arena is Irish super-middleweight Champion Anthony Fitzgerald. The Dubliner takes on Kevin Hammond for the WBF Intercontinental Title. Hammond who this year fought Martin Concepcion twice for the BBBofC Midlands Area light middleweight title narrowly losing on points both times in battles similar to the Long v Fitzgerald crackers with Concepcion notably progressing to challenge Sam Webb for the British Title. Fitzy knows he is in for a baptism of fire in what will be his first fight since moving to middleweight.
Weve looked at tapes of this lad and hes a tough opponent and he can bang too. We did say earlier in the year that we would be pushing on now and I am delighted to be fighting for another title. I am focused and I feel in great shape for this one, fans can expect to see a top performance and that belt will be staying in Dublin.
After his stunning success in Limerick where he dramatically claimed the European Title over his countryman Paulie Hyland, Willie Big Bang Casey makes his eagerly anticipated return to the ring in Tallaght where he takes on Manuel Sequera over eight rounds. The Limerick banger who takes on Kiko Martinez in March is taking nothing for granted. He has seven knockouts from ten wins so nothing will be taken for granted. Im delighted to be returning to the ring so soon and hoping to finish the year with another win under my belt.
Undefeated LA based Crumlin native Dean Byrne (13-0) returns home and is looking to stretch his unbeaten run and further enhance his chances at a World Title shot. Having sparred with both Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao in recent weeks, Dean Byrne feels that the time is right to come home and is delighted to be fighting alongside Fitzgerald and European Champion Willie Casey in Tallaght.
I couldnt have had better preparation for this one to be honest. Myself and Amir have been going at it for the last few weeks so I am feeling in great nick and very sharp. Freddie (Roach) has had me working on a few things so fans will be in for a treat on Dec 10th. The plan is an Irish Title first and then we can push on for a world title in the next year or so. Frankie Gavin holds that belt so Ill be coming knocking on his door after this one you can be sure of that.
Dolphil Promotions are promising some Christmas cheer with no fewer then 10 fights on December 10. Mullingar brothers Paddy and JJ McDonagh come to Tallaght in their first fight since signing for Dolphil Promotions. Irelands first female professional Christina McMahon takes on Polina Pencheva who recently lost narrowly to British prospect Maxine McCarthy. Shes joined by Dubliners The Pimpernel Gavin Prunty and Robbie Long while Noel OBrien and Paddy Ward make their debuts. The card also features Gary Hydes Levan Ghvamichava.
Tickets for The Prides Path to Glory are available from www.ticketgroup.ie and Crumlin Boxing Club on 087 2804380.
