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Undefeated light heavyweight duo Jamie Power and Michael “The Storm” Sweeney are promising fireworks when they clash on the undercard of the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, September 26th.
WBA Super Bantamweight Champ Bernard Dunne tops the bill as he bids to see off the challenge of number one contender Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym from Thailand but Power and Sweeney will be looking to make a major breakthrough in their own careers when they clash over eight scheduled rounds in an All Irish duel on the card.
The pair won a host of titles in the amateur ranks and have both enjoyed promising starts to their respective pro careers. Limerick native Power has won all six of his fights to date while Sweeney, who is originally from Mayo but now lives in Galway has seven wins and a draw from his eight pro bouts.
Power says he’s relishing the opportunity to perform on a big stage. “This is the kind of fight I was looking for,” revealed the Shannonsider. “I’m 28 now and I have a young family and a full time job so I don’t want to be wasting my time as a pro with meaningless fights.
“This is a proper fight, two unbeaten Irish guys willing to put their records on the line to move on in their careers and to have it on a World title card at The O2 is the icing on the cake. I was there when Bernard won the title in March and the atmosphere was something else so I can’t wait to actually fight there this time around.
“I know it will be a very tough fight and it will be a classic boxer versus fighter affair. I’ve sparred Michael before so I know what to expect. He’ll probably be looking to out box me but I’m happy to take a few punches as long as I get in range myself to do some damage.
“It might take me a few rounds to start closing him down but I’m confident that the longer it goes the stronger I’ll become. It’s going to be a real war but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Despite enjoying a busy start to his pro career with 7 fights in his first year as a pro Sweeney has only had one fight in the past 12 months and he says he’s aiming to take that frustration out on Power at The O2.
“It’s been a very difficult year for me,” admitted Sweeney. “I’ve only had one fight due to injuries and empty promises of fights that never materialised so it’s great now to have a date and a big fight to focus on.
“The fact that it will be on a big World title card at The O2 makes it all the sweeter and I’m determined to make up for the past year with a big performance.
“It should be a great fight between two unbeaten Irish guys,” predicted the Sean Mannion trained fighter. “These kind of fights don’t happen all that often, we both have good amateur pedigree and we’re both at around the same stage in our pro careers so we match up well.
“We sparred about a year ago so I know his style and I have a game plan. I’m sure he will have his own plan as well but we’ll see on the night. I’m full of confidence right now and this could be just the break I was looking for.”
Bernard Dunne’s first world title defence headlines the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night while unbeaten Cavan star Andy Murray will defend his European Union Lightweight title against former Italian Champ Pasquale Di Silvio in the chief supporting contest.
Reigning Irish Welterweight champion, Stephen Haughian has also been added to the action packed card while two of Dublin’s favourite fighting sons will also step between the ropes with current Irish and IBF International Featherweight champ Patrick Hyland and former Irish Lightweight champ Oisin Fagan featuring in separate bouts.
Hyland will face former Commonwealth title challenger David “Silent Danger” Kiilu while Haughian and Fagan’s opponents will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night are priced from €50 and are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
