Brian Peters Boxing: Irish Champ Haughian On London Scouting Mission

Newly crowned Irish Welterweight champ Stephen Haughian takes to the ring at the York Hall in London this weekend on the undercard to the Commonwealth title clash between Craig Watson and John O’Donnell.

The Lurgan man takes on Drew Cambell on the Hennessy Sports promotion, which is being televised on ITV4 from 7:45. Should he come through his own fight unscathed, Haughian will be a very interested spectator for the main event as he looks to press his claims for a shot at the winner.

Haughian claimed the Irish title in February with an impressive third round stoppage win over defending champ Billy Walsh and his trainer John Breen believes he’s ready for the winner of tomorrow nights fight.

“Stephen’s improving and maturing with every fight and I think he’s proved in his last couple of fights that he’s ready for a shot at the Commonwealth title,” said Breen.

Prior to beating Walsh, Haughian had avenged the only defeat of his 18 fight pro career when he comprehensively outpointed Giammario Grassellini to banish the memory of his controversial split decision points loss to the Italian for his IBF Intercontinental title in December, 2007.

Breen is tipping the Galway born O’Donnell to take the title from Watson in tomorrow night’s main event and set up an all Irish showdown with Haughian later in the year.

“John and Stephen have fought on the same card over here on three occasions, in Dublin, Limerick and Castlebar so they have both seen plenty of each other. O’Donnell’s a good boxer with fast hands and good movement, but I believe Stephen would have too much for him.”