Boxing In Ireland: Martinez vs. Casey For European Title

Willie “Big Bang” Casey will look to turn Big Bang Theory into reality when he challenges Kiko “La Sensación” Martinez for the Spaniard’s European Super Bantamweight title on the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the University Sports Arena, Limerick on Saturday, November 6th.

The unbeaten Casey has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the professional ranks since turning professional just 2 years and 10 fights ago and the 28-year-old southpaw will be looking to make the most of home advantage as European Championship boxing comes to Limerick for the first time ever.

It promises to be a huge event on Shannonside but Martinez famously broke Irish hearts just over 3 years ago when he needed less than a round to rip the European title away from Bernard Dunne and he will be confident of further success on Irish soil after he regained his European belt with an impressive win over Arsen Martyrosian in Dublin over the weekend.

It was Martinez’ fourth career win in Dublin with Ireland clearly a happy hunting ground for the 24-year-old puncher from Alicante. Munster fan Casey however is hoping that he can transport some of the Thomond Park atmosphere across the city to the University Arena and add a European boxing title to the two European rugby cups won by Munster in the last decade.

“He might be unbeaten in Dublin but he hasn’t fought in Limerick yet,” joked Casey. “I’ll be looking to take some of that Munster spirit into the ring with me. I’m just so excited about this fight and to have a chance to win a European title right here in Limerick.

“I might be the underdog but I’ve been an underdog since I turned professional and I’m sure the whole city will come out to support me. Not too many gave me a chance when I went out to Canada to fight the Canadian Champ but I knocked him out. Not too many people gave me a chance when I went into the Prizefighter but I ended up winning that as well.

“I know all about Kiko, everyone in Ireland knows about him because of his win over Bernard Dunne and he is a big hitter but they don’t call me the Big Bang for nothing either. I was at Kiko’s fight in Dublin on Saturday night and he’s an excellent fighter but people haven’t seen the best of me yet, I’m still learning and improving in the gym every day. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m determined to grab it with both hands.”

Casey secured his European title shot by overcoming the European rated Emiliano Salvini in his last contest and Martinez says he has no problems returning to Ireland to defend his title. “In Ireland right now there are two good contenders for my title, Casey and Paul Hyland from Dublin. I am happy to fight either of them anytime, anywhere because a real champion is always ready to defend his title.

“Ireland has been very lucky for me and the people here have always treated me with great respect. I got great support in Dublin on Saturday night from the Irish fans and I think they will have another great fight to look forward to in Limerick in November and hopefully I can win over some more fans there.”

Having congratulated Kiko in the ring on Saturday Casey says he has the utmost respect for the champion and revealed that he has no intention of engaging in any trash talk with Martinez. “I’ve no Spanish and he’s no English so there wouldn’t be much point in us slagging each other off!

“In all seriousness though Kiko seems to be a gentleman and he’s proving that he’s a real champion by coming to my hometown to defend his title so you have to respect him for that. On the night though it will be all business because I want that belt and I won’t stop punching until I have it!”

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Big Bang Theory will go on sale from 9am on Friday, October 1st from Ticketmaster.ie / 0818 719300 and all usual outlets.