Dolphil Boxing: Willie Casey’s World Title Bid Sells Out

On March 19th 2011, Limerick’s own Cinderella-Man takes another leap into the unknown when he challenges Guillermo Rigondeaux for his WBA Super-Bantamweight title. Having defied all the odds to capture the European title, pummelling Paulie Hyland over four blistering rounds, Willie Casey embarks on a road less travelled by his fellow countrymen.

Interestingly, Ireland takes on England in rugby at 5pm that day so Irish sports fans are sure to be licking their lips again with not-too-distant memories of Bernard Dunne fighting Ricardo Cordoba the same day as Ireland winning the six nations two years ago.

With the entire batch of ’early bird’ tickets now completely sold out, Dolphil Promotions are predicting a full house on March 19 for the World Title fight in Citywests brand new Convention Center.

“We released close to a thousand tickets a week ago and they are now completely sold out. We knew there would be interest but this is phenomenal support he’s getting. People see this as one of very few good news stories out there and that is mirrored by the amount of tickets sold in the last month. There will be an announcement in January regarding the three remaining blocks of seating” said Promoter Don O’Leary.

With the public truly behind the Willie Casey fairytale story and with the cheapest world title tickets since Collins v Eubank, Ireland is now bracing itself for one of the biggest upsets and most memorable nights in Irish boxing history.

‘El Chacel’ who claimed the title over Ricardo Cordoba, comes to Ireland as one of the most decorated boxers in history boasting two Olympic Gold medals, two World Championship Gold’s and now the WBA World Intrim Title but father of four, Willie Casey is not phased by the task at hand and enters his training camp confident of upsetting the World Champion.

“This is why I turned professional, I want to be fighting the best there is out there and Rigondeaux is one of the best. I am delighted with all these opportunities that I’m getting and I’m humbled by the support that I’m receiving. There are a lot of Super-Bantamweights that are avoiding this fella but not me, he has what I want so why wouldn’t I fight him.

“After only eleven fights he’s fighting for a World Title, its amazing. If you compare him to Macklin, Duddy and Lee they’ve over 80 fights between them and their still waiting for the opportunity so that gives you an idea of just how amazing this journey has become. Look at Kiko Martinez, he’s over 20 fights and still no call so I can see why he’s so upset. We’d like to invite Kiko to sit along ringside for the show and perhaps soon he’ll finally get the shot he craves.” Stated Daniel Halpin.

When asked what he thought of the Kiko Martinez comments lately Willie replied “Kiko shouldn’t be worried, when I win this title I’ll be looking at him for my first defence.

There will be an announcement regarding tickets in the new year meanwhile, keep an eye on dolphilboxing.com or ticketgroup.ie for updates. Tickets are priced €50 (tiered) €70 (gallery) and €130 (ringside)