Celtic Rebel Spike ready to rumble
Tonight Spike takes on Manchester’s Matthew Hall for the vacant WBO international middleweight belt in front of 40,000 fans at West Ham’s home ground Upton Park in London.
It’s the co-main event being shared with the infamous David Haye v Dereck Chisora grudge match and Spike sees it as the latest stepping stone to take him to the top of the boxing world — and ultimately a world title showdown at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
“I was 11 in 1995 and was in the crowd when Steve Collins retained his title at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and that moment has stuck with me,” declared Spike, from Mahon in Cork.
“I live near the Páirc and would love to fight for the world title in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. That’s my dream.”
So this fight with Hall is the biggest of ‘Celtic Rebel’ Spike’s career and he can’t wait. It’s part of the fight build up and something he is starting to enjoy.
“It’s really exciting, I think I’ll thrive on the atmosphere – 40,000 people. I think the bigger the crowd, the better for me.
“There’s about 300 people coming over from Cork and a load more coming from Dublin too. I can’t believe they got over there at such short notice.”
Back home, there’ll be thousands more tuning in. The fight is being beamed on Sky’s Boxnation channel by subscription.
“The amount of support I’ve been getting locally is unbelievable. My mam said the local Tesco workers are having a ‘Spike Night’ where they’re all getting together to watch the fight. Without Team Spike, there’s no Spike.”
“Team Spike” is a community effort. Spike boxes out of the Loughmahon Club, Bessboro, in Cork’s Blackrock but has been helped out by a host of local businesses every step of the way.
From gym access to paying for his Dublin hotel during his rigorous training camp this past month, he’s enjoyed the goodwill and more from Leeside businesses and he is confident it will all pay off tonight.
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. If I win, I’ll be ranked minimum top 12 in the world, and maybe top 10. I’m on the road to the big time after this.”
That road started when Spike was aged just five. Like his five brothers, he grew up steeped in the sport, and both father Denis and mother Jacinta (“she’s a legend in Cork boxing”) encouraged their son to take part.
A successful amateur career duly followed, including Irish national titles. Then, in 2008, opportunity knocked. Paschal Collins, the brother of former WBO Middleweight and Super-Middleweight champion Steve, was impressed with what he saw an offered him a professional deal.
It’s been a flawless partnership since. A fierce body puncher, Spike won all 14 of his pro bouts to date, nine by knockout.
He’s now two years into a three-year deal with English promoter Frank Warren, and tonight he steps up a grade, facing Hall.
Jacinta and Denis will be at ringside for the fight, as will Spike’s wife Selena. His kids will be at home in Mahon, along with a host of well wishers, while scores more will be cheering on from Dublin where he has been training in the Celtic Warrior Gym.
Steve Collins reckons Spike is the next Marvin Hagler but legendary British boxing pundit, Steve Bunce, reckons he’s more like the next Rocky.
Trainer Paschal Collins, meanwhile, is just keeping Spike focused on the fight.
“Spike has been trying to get big fights but has had to be patient. This weekend he gets his chance. This is the acid test and he will pass it,” said Paschal, who is godfather to Spike’s youngest child, seven-month old Ashley.
“Spike has the power to stop people and that could be a factor this Saturday night, but he is ready to let his frustration out over 12 rounds if needs be. He will put everything into those rounds.”
Even the fact Spike turns 28 today has gone on hold.
“I’ve told my family and friends not to bother buying me a birthday present because I’m going to London to get my own,” Spike declared.
“After Saturday night, we want to put on a big show in Cork. I want to bring big-time boxing back to Cork. I’m a big soccer fan, and Paschal and I have been talking about maybe organising a big night at Turner’s Cross, and ultimately I want that world title shot in Páirc Uí Chaiomh.
“This fight will put me on the map and I think I can be the world champion when I celebrate my next birthday.”
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