Undefeated Walsh relishing return to ring as title put on line

CORK welterweight Billy Walsh, accused in the past of ducking Stephen Haughian, insists this has never been the case and is ready to prove it by taking on the Lurgan man in his own back yard.

Walsh, a former national senior champion from the St Colman’s club in Shanagarry, will put his hard won Irish title on the line when they touch gloves at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on Saturday, February 7, and he intends to keep his undefeated record intact by retaining the title he won in a bloody battle with Jamie Gorman in Cork.

Promoter Brian Peters had thrown down the gauntlet to Walsh by accusing the Corkman of ducking Haughian but Walsh, who had been preparing for a show in Youghal that subsequently fell through, says he’s more than happy to step up to the plate.

“I had been in training for a non title fight in Youghal which was supposed to have taken place (tomorrow) night. However, that fell through and then the offer to fight Haughian came along again. I haven’t fought in almost a year and I want to stay busy now.

“To win the Irish title was a dream come true and to do it in Cork was extra special. The atmosphere was great and I’m sure it will be just as good in Craigavon. I know it will be pretty much a home fight for Stephen but I’ll have quite a few of my own fans there as well.”

Walsh got off to the best possible start in his title fight with Gorman but the Belfast man came back strongly in the later rounds before Walsh ran out the winner on a close points decision.

Walsh knows all about Haughian and although he’s confident of retaining his title he admits it won’t be easy.

“I saw Stephen box when he fought on my undercard in Cork a couple of years ago and I’ve seen him box on TV a few times since. He’s a nice boxer and a very nice lad but I’ll be putting that aside when the bell goes for the first round.

“I think a win over Stephen would raise my profile and hopefully lead to a big opportunity for me. It’s been frustrating to have been out of the ring for so long but, hopefully, this will be the start of a good 2009 for me.”

The bout headlines a top quality undercard, which features former world title challenger and British champion Neil Sinclair as the Belfast puncher looks to build towards another title challenge.

Two weight Irish champ, Andy Murray from Cavan, will also step between the ropes in Craigavon. Having just signed a managerial contract with Brian Peters the undefeated Murray is looking forward to a big 2009.

Another man hoping for a big year is Belfast’s Kevin “Sweet Pea” O’Hara. O’Hara’s career has yet to live up to expectations but with 14 wins from his 18 starts, “Sweet Pea” knows that he has solid foundations to launch a fresh bid for titles in 2009.

Michael Kelly is another man desperate for titles. Undefeated in six pro fights the Dundalk man has been out of the ring for almost three years but the former World Military champ says he’s hungrier than ever and wants to emulate the pro success of former amateur rival, Paul McCloskey.

Rounding out the card is popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart. The Tyrone man has been mentored by the county’s All Ireland winning football manager Mickey Harte since turning pro just over a year ago and he’s hoping 2009 will be a massive year in his fledgling pro career.