Boxing In Ireland: Team Breen Looks Ahead To Letterkenny

John Breen’s Belfast gym is buzzing right now with four members of the “Breen Team” set for battle on the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the The Aura, Letterkenny on Saturday. October 2nd.

Reigning European Light Welterweight Champion Paul McCloskey tops the bill in the second defence of his title against Scotland’s Barry Morrison with McCloskey’s gym mates Andy Murray, Brendan Fiztpatrick and Michael McLaughlin also in action and Breen is confident that the hard work being done in the gym will payoff on October 2nd.

Breen’s spit and sawdust sweatbox located in the heart of Belfast’s city centre has consistently produced some of Ireland’s top professionals and the veteran Belfast trainer is confident that new pro’s like Fitzpatrick and McLaughlin can go no to enjoy the same levels as success enjoyed by established names like McCloskey and Murray.

“It’s a very busy gym right now and busy gym’s are generally successful ones,” said Breen. “Having a reigning European Champion like Paul in the gym is a great incentive for the other guys and actually this is the best I’ve seen Paul train for any fight. He’s really sharp and very focused on the job and putting in an impressive performance against Morrison.

Last time out McCloskey successfully defended his title against mandatory challenger, Giuseppe Lauri ending the fight in the eleventh round with a stunning one punch KO. However neither Breen or McCloskey were happy with the champion’s performance up to that point in the fight as the Dungiven southpaw got drawn into a toe to toe war with his Italian challenger.

“Paul was so mad at himself for getting drawn into the wrong kind of fight last time out against Lauri so I think that’s really fired him up for this fight,” said Breen.

“He knows what he should have done against Lauri but sometimes tin the heat of the moment and you get dragged into a fight. Paul has unbelievable boxing ability but he didn’t show it last time out. He’s learned a lot from that last fight though and it won’t happen again. I honestly think he will break Morrison down and break his heart similar to the way he beat Colin Lynes to win the British title.

Breen is also expecting a big performance from Andy Murray. The unbeaten Cavan star takes on Dominican Republic dangerman Johnny Nolasco in Letterkenny but Breen is confident that his charge has what it takes to get past Nolasco.

“Obviously Nolasco is no mug, he was a great amateur and he’s been avoided by some big names in the pros but I believe Andy’s ready to step it up now. He has made big improvements over the last 18 months and he’s won his last 4 by stoppage. He’s starting to plant his feet and hurt guys in there now and his results have been proof of that.

“We’re not expecting an easy night because Noalsco is a handful but Andy’s a very hard worker in the gym and by the time this fight comes around he will have sparred over 100 rounds so he will be more than ready.”

Breen has also been impressed with how new pro’s Brendan Fitzpatrick and Michael McLaughlin have adjusted to the professional ranks. Fitzpatrick made a successful pro debut in Dublin earlier this month with an impressive stoppage win and will have his second pro fight in Letterkenny. Carndonagh native McLaughlin will have plenty of local support for his pro debut in Letterkenny and Breen is confident that both men have what it takes to succeed in the paid code.

“Brendan is very eager to learn and wiling to make the sacrifices you need to be successful as a professional. He’s only starting out and I’m working with him on little things like using more upper body movement but he boxed very well in Dublin and followed instructions to a tee and I’lm hoping for more of the same in Letterkenny.

“Michael’s been working hard in the gym and sparring well. Obviously like everyone else he will need time to adjust to the pro ranks from the amateurs but he is doing very well so far and it’s a big boost for him to be able to make his pro debut so close to home in Letterkenny.”

The Hunky Dorys Fight Night on October 2nd also features Dublin’s unbeaten featherweight prospect, Patrick Hyland, reigning Irish Heavyweight Champ, Coleman Barrett, Cork based Cuban sensations Alexei Acosta and Luis Garcia and Mayo’s unbeaten Super Featherweight Finbarr Eade.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €40 are available from Ticketmaster.ie / 0818 719300, The Aura, Letterkenny: 074 9106422, The Radisson Blu, Letterkenny: 074 9194444, Eurospar, Dungiven: 028 77741245 or Julie, Dungiven: 07745 698372.