PIERCE O’Leary headlines at the SSE Arena in Belfast tonight against Aussie-based Irishman Darragh Foley. Dubliner O’Leary is being groomed as one of the future stars of Irish boxing and this top-of-the-bill slot will push him to the next level if he can deliver a suitable performance.
Despite the five losses on his record, Foley is never an easy evening for anyone. Last seen losing to Jack Catterall over a year ago, prior to that contest, Darragh scored an upset win over an injured Robbie Davies Jr in Liverpool.
Filling the gaps left by Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan (whose long-term boxing ambitions are still up in the air), the entire island needs new standard bearers to step forward and assume their roles. Pierce has a strong supporting cast of rising prospects and contenders showcasing their abilities this evening.
Conor Quinn is enjoying a good run of form that included a late 2023 Celtic title success over Scotland’s Chris Liddell in front of his hometown fans. Quinn, who endured a torrid start to his pro career, has settled under the guidance of Mark Dunlop and now Queensberry Promotions. He takes on Conner Kelsall for the vacant Commonwealth flyweight crown.
Colm ‘Posh Boy’ Murphy, James McGivern, Steven Cairns and Jack Turner also feature. Plus, another Fury enters the professional ranks. Super-welterweight Walter Fury makes his debut deep on the undercard.
All of the fighters weighed in yesterday at the Europa Hotel:
The WBC International Super-Lightweight Championship
Pierce O’Leary – 139.8lbs
Darragh Foley – 139.8lbs
The vacant Commonwealth Flyweight Championship
Conor Quinn – 111.5lbs
Conner Kelsall – 111.4lbs
The BUI Celtic Lightweight Championship
James McGivern – 134.4lbs
Rashid Omar – 135lbs
The vacant Commonwealth Silver Featherweight Championship
Colm Murphy – 125.2lbs
Jack Turner – 125.2lbs
8×3 Minutes Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
Jadier Herrera – 134lbs
Andreas Navarete – 133.7lbs
6×3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
Steven Cairns – 136lbs
Jonatas De Oliviera – 136lbs
6×3 Minute Rounds International Bantamweight Contest
Jack D Turner – 119.3lbs
Gerson Larios – To weigh in later
6×3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
Nelson Birchall 129.9lbs
Kevin Trana 130.7lbs
4×3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
Eoghan Lavin – 160lbs
Artjom Spatar – 161.6lbs
6×2 Minute Welterweight Contest
Nicola Barke – 142.8lbs
Kerry Hayley – 144.8lbs
4×3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Walter Fury – 159.8lbs
Vasif Mamedov – 162.5lbs
4×3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
Joe Cooper -158.5lbs
John Henry Mosquera – 157.6lbs