O’Donnell promises to finally ‘shut Watson up’ in rematch

Grant Tissot

London-based Galway welterweight John O’Donnell has promised to shut Craig Watson up this Saturday night, February 19, when the duo face off at Wembley Arena for the British title.

The long anticipated rematch from their May 2009 Commonwealth title bout is sure to pique the interest of the boxing public, with Oldham’s Craig Watson promising revenge for the points defeat he suffered last time out at the York Hall.

Since their original encounter, Watson, 19-3 (KO 8), has enjoyed a run of stunning form, reeling off 6 straight wins, 4 by knockout, picking up the Commonwealth light middleweight title en-route.

However, O’Donnell, 24-1 (KO 11), does not appear concerned by his opponents recent success stating, ‘”Watson’s last few opponents have not been in the same league as mine, most have been journeymen.’’

With only one defeat in his career to date during his infamous Las Vegas adventure on the Mayweather-De La Hoya undercard, O’Donnell is understandably confident and is predicting a win whichever way it arrives.

“I’m not one for predicting rounds and jinxing myself, I am just focused on getting the win and that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” said the Shepards Bush fighter.

Rumours on internet forums of a disturbed training camp were also quickly quashed by O’Donnell who was more than happy with his preparation for the fight.

“I am 100% happy with my training camp, it’s been brilliant. I’m in excellent shape and am more than ready for the fight,” O’Donnell assured his fans.

O’Donnell also gave a brief mention to fellow Irish Paul McCloskey who takes on WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan in two months.

“Paul is a clever kid, I feel he has a great chance of upsetting the odds and bringing the world title home.”
With entertaining and value-for-money heavyweight Tyson Fury also in action on the same bill on Saturday night, the Hennessey Sports promoted bill in North-West London will capture the interest of Irish boxing fans.
Hennessy Sports and Premier Sports TV have teamed up to present a night of championship boxing live and exclusive from both sides of the Atlantic on the night.

All of the action can be seen live and exclusive on Sky Channel 433.

In addition Premier Sports will be showing live action from the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Canada, where former WBC light-welterweight champion, Junior ‘the Hitter’ Witter, from Sheffield, is making his welterweight debut against Romanian-born Torontonian Victor Lupo.

Irish title contender and NABA lightweight champion Logan Cotton McGuinness will also face the sternest test of his young career when he steps into the ring to defend his title against hard hitting Dominican Hector Julio Avila.
Premier Sports TV broadcast monthly boxing from around the globe for the great value price of just £6.99 per month.

To subscribe to this exciting night of boxing from both sides of the Atlantic on Saturday, February 19 visit Premier Sports.tv or call 0871 663 9000.

Article written by Grant Tissot – www.boxing-ireland.com

Ticket Information

Tickets already purchased for the original date of Saturday 5th February will be valid for the rescheduled date of Saturday 19th February and no further action is required. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date (19th Feb) and require a refund please return the ticket/s to the point of sale.

Tickets are NOW on sale from the following box offices priced at:
£100, £75, £40 and £30

Please note: Family tickets are also available from the Wembley Box Office. Wembley Arena, 24hr Box Office Call 0844 815 0815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk Ticketline 24hr Box Office call 0844 888 4402 or www.hennessysports.com