The weigh-in for Carl Frampton’s Celtic super-bantamweight title clash with Scotsman Gavin Reid on Friday, December 4 took place at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Thursday afternoon. Both Frampton and Reid weighed in comfortably within the 8st 10lb limit. Frampton vs Reid, tops the Barry McGuigan promoted bill at the Ulster Hall and features six contests including outings for Jamie Conlan, Stephen Haughian, Ryan Greene, Chris Keane and Troy James..
A number of visiting boxers, who will be competing on the evening, will weigh-in on arrival after being delayed by bad weather.
Doors at the Ulster Hall will open at 6.45pm with first bell at 7.15pm. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door.
The bill will be televised on Setanta Sports.
Carl Frampton vs Gavin Reid
8st 9lb 6oz 8st 9lb 4oz
Fitzy, Casey and Deano on Dolphil Cracker
With less then two weeks to Dolphil Promotions Christmas Cracker in Tallaght preparations have been heating up and one of the best cards in recent years has been announced.
Headlining the event on Dec 10th 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. “We’ve looked at tapes of this lad and he’s 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. I’m 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 couldn’t 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 I’ll 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 Dec 10th. 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. She’s joined by Dubliners ‘The Pimpernel’ Gavin Prunty and Robbie Long while Noel O’Brien and Paddy Ward make their debuts. The card also features Gary Hyde’s Levan Ghvamichava.
Tickets for ‘The Pride’s Path to Glory are available from www.ticketgroup.ie and Crumlin Boxing Club on 087 2804380
Willie Casey WBA Statement:
Daniel Halpin:
We can confirm that the WBA have accepted Willie Casey as challanger for the WBA Title. We are at an advanced stage with Rigondeaux’s team but it’s just talks. Right now we have our eyes on defending against Kiko but if agreements are made and the money is right for Willie we will vacate the European belt and go for the World Title no doubt about it.