Weekend Preview: August 5th-7th
In terms of numbers it’s a very quiet Summer weekend ahead for Irish professional boxers, but there is one absolutely huge fight in Philadelphia – and the 2016 Olympics get underway in Rio de Janeiro.
On Friday night in Philly’s 2300 Arena, Dublin lightweight Stephen Ormond [22(11)-2(0)] takes on Alejandro Luna in an IBF title eliminator. The Premier Boxing Champions bout will be aired live in America on ESPN and in Britain and Ireland on BT Sports 1.
On the same night in California, Chris ‘The Irish Ghost’ Fitzpatrick [15(6)-4(2)] will look to upset unbeaten middleweight prospect Rob Brant at the Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Saturday will be Day 1 for the boxers in Rio, and dependent on seeding, we could see Paddy Barnes and Joe Ward in action. Steven Donnelly will likely be in action on Sunday. David Oliver Joyce could see ring time on either Saturday or Sunday – or neither if given a bye.
All will become clearer when the official draw is made on Friday.
