Tims: I’ll beat Sweeney

18 March 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Ian Tims admits Michael Sweeney represents his toughest pro test to date, but is adamant its a challenge he will over come with ease, as he adds the Irish Cruiserweight title to a mantle piece that already boast three amateur straps.

The Paschal Collins trained pugilist claims that neither he nor his opponent in City West on Saturday have fought anyone of note since ditching the vest and headgear, but stressed unlike Sweeney he has proven his quality as an amateur. And The Tank Tims, who is champing at the bit and very confident he will weather The Storm on the undercard of Willie Caseys world title tilt, is pointing to that amateur pedigree as proof that he is out of Sweeneys league. The straight talking fighter stressed he will convey that superior class via a stoppage win in the eagerly awaited title fight, that has been cancelled twice previous, this weekend.

Tims, who told Sweeney he should be nervous ahead of the clash, claims he will win the fight, which has very modern origins via social network site Facebook, with an old school power packed performance.

I am raring to go and to tear it up, Tims told www.irish-boxing.com. I have never been in better shape. I dropped two English heavyweights in sparring. I am bang on the weight and I have had more power than ever. I am not expecting anything from him. I am just focusing on me. I am going to knock him out. He should be nervous considering what I have in store for him.

I dont rate Michael. I am very confident. I have nothing to be worried about. I have beaten much better fighters than him. He is my hardest pro test to date and I am the same for him, but I destroyed Commonwealth heavyweight champion Tony Bellew in the amateurs, as well as Alan Reynolds and others. He has never shared the ring with anyone of that note. He cant bring anything on Saturday night that I havent seen before. I am head and shoulders above him, Tims added.

So self assured of victory is the Ballyfermot slugger that he has afforded himself a glance beyond Saturday. Tims, who suffered an injury enforced year long sabbatical, is hoping to use the Irish title as a spring board to bigger and better things.

Winning the Irish title will enable me to push on. I can get bigger and better fights. There are much bigger fights out there. I would like to fight in America. I see Roy Coyne is doing well Stateside. He is 16-0 and I would like to fight him before the year is out.