Hayemaker Boxing: Lindsay Looks To Follow Dunne To World Title

Belfast featherweight Martin Lindsay hopes to one day emulate countryman and WBA super bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne and scoop world title honours of his own.

Gearing up for this Saturday’s April 25 British title dust-up with Paul Appleby, the talented ‘Mac Man’ has been buoyed by the crowning of Ireland’s latest world champion.

“I didn’t know what to expect before the fight,” says Lindsay of Dunne’s WBA title fight with Ricardo Cordoba in March.

“I knew Cordoba’s record and reputation, but I’d never seen him actually box before. I knew Dunne was going to be up against it, though. The fight was just brilliant. There were times in the fifth round where Dunne looked like he was on his way out and yet he came back superbly and won the title.

“It was a tremendous fight to watch and I’m sure the crowd got their money’s worth with that one. It was an amazing moment for Irish boxing.”

Admitting he was inspired by Dunne’s rise to prominence in the super bantamweight division, Lindsay may one day find himself on a collision course with the newly-installed WBA champion.

“It wouldn’t be a bad fight for Ireland, would it?” says the 26-year-old Lindsay. “I’m sure Bernard’s got other plans right now, though, and I’ve heard he’s looking at Israel Vasquez.

“He’ll be looking to jump on to the big stage now. Whatever Dunne goes on and does now is a bonus. Nobody can ever take away what he did against Cordoba.”

Before Lindsay can even start dreaming of world title shots, he must first conquer Appleby on April 25 at the Ulster Hall.

Both unbeaten, both hungry for titles and both highly-rated by boxing aficionados, Appleby vs. Lindsay figures to be one of the most intriguing domestic battles of 2009.

The 21-year-old Appleby realises the threat of Lindsay and has prepared accordingly.

“Training’s gone very well,” says Appleby, 14-0 (9). “I spent six weeks in Cyprus and I feel better than I’ve ever felt before. I haven’t had to watch my weight so much this time round because the first date between the pair of us was postponed.

“That gave me a few more weeks to get down to the weight. I kept on training hard throughout, but just started eating more normal again. I didn’t have to worry too much about dieting.

“It’s quite hard to make featherweight. I’m not going to lie about it. My future will probably be at super-featherweight or lightweight. I may even end up at light-welterweight in the future.”

A promising featherweight for the time being, Appleby enters the lion’s den on Saturday night, hell-bent on retaining his prestigious Lonsdale belt. Despite the recent run of Irish boxing victories, Appleby is relishing the chance to beat Lindsay in Belfast.

“I’m actually looking forward to boxing away in Ireland,” admits Appleby. “Hopefully the crowd are booing me a bit. That will get me even more psyched up and make me want to win even more. I’d fight Lindsay anywhere. It doesn’t bother me. I just love to box, no matter where the ring is.”

Martin Lindsay’s British title shot against Paul Appleby takes place at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on April 25. Tickets priced at £35, £50 and £70 can be purchased directly by calling 02890 334 455.

Setanta Sports televise Hayemaker 8: ‘Appleby vs. Lindsay’ live from the Ulster Hall on April 25. Also appearing will be Ryan Rhodes, George Groves, Curtis Woodhouse, Michael Maguire and Luke Wilton.