Brian Peters Boxing: Homecoming For Haughian

Stephen Haughian believes he’s ready to start chasing down major titles in 2009. The County Armagh boxer will look to take his career to the next level when he headlines a first ever pro fight night at the Craigavon Leisure Centre in Northern Ireland on Saturday, February 7.

The Lurgan welterweight who trains out of John Breen’s Gym in Belfast is hoping to enjoy the same success in 2009 that gym mates Paul McCloskey and Martin Rogan enjoyed last year.

Both ended 2008 on a high with McCloskey claiming the British Light Welterweight title and Rogan ending any remaining world title aspirations that Audley Harrison might have had.

“They say success breeds success and I certainly think that’s the case in the gym at the minute,” said Haughian. “Paul had a terrific win over Colin Lynes at short notice and I always fancied Martin to beat Harrison because of his attitude.

“He just loves a challenge and everyone in the gym is the same. The two lads are proof that is you put the work in the rewards can come your way so they’ve definitely been an inspiration to me.”

Haughian has compiled an impressive record of 16 wins from his 17 outings since turning professional in 2005. The sole blemish on his record remains a controversial points defeat to Giammario Grassellini for the IBF Intercontinental title at the Kings Hall in Belfast just over a year ago.

Haughian however reversed that result last time out by outpointing his Italian rival decisively on a Bernard Dunne undercard in November. Despite only recently turning 24, Haughian now feels he’s ready for the best in Britian.

“I’d like to think this year will be a big one for me. Obviously it’s getting off to the best possible start with me headlining my own show and after that I’ll be looking for an Irish or Celtic title. After that I’d love a crack at either the British or Commonwealth titles.”

Haughian’s promoter Brian Peters is confident of delivering those opportunities. “Stephen’s the mandatory challenger for the Celtic title so hopefully we can make that happen in the next few months,” he said.

“I’ve made repeated attempts to get Billy Walsh to defend his Irish welterweight title against Stephen but he’s obviously not interested. He’s been talking ridiculous money for an Irish title fight but I think he’s pricing himself out of the fight deliberately because he knows Stephen would be far too much for him.”

“Obviously the Irish title is something that Stephen would love to win but if we can’t make that fight then we’ll move on to the Celtic title and hopefully a British or Commonwealth title opportunity later in the year.”

Haughian’s trainer John Breen believes that his charge is more than capable of matching the achievements of his gym mates. “I’ve been saying for a long time that Stephen’s my secret weapon,” said Breen.

“He goes about his business quietly but I see him in the gym day in and day out and I believe he has the potential to be as good a fighter as I’ve ever worked with. I don’t see anyone out there in Britain to trouble him.”

Haughian’s February 7 date is essentially a hometown appearance for the Lurgan native and he says all his sacrifices over Christmas will be worthwhile for the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his own supporters.

“I only live a few miles from the venue so it will be as good as having the fight in my back garden,” said Haughian. “I’ve been training hard all over Christmas and there’s already a bit of a buzz around the place about it.

“Everyone’s really looking forward to it. The love their boxing here and when I fought in Lurgan a few years back the venue was too small and they actually had to turn people away at the door.

“My Dad runs the Phoenix amateur boxing club here and his shows are always packed as well so I think there going to be a great atmosphere next month. People can’t get enough of boxing here”.

An action packed undercard will feature a host of Irish boxing’s finest talent. Former world title challenger and British Champion Neil Sinclair will be looking to showcase his feared punching power while unbeaten Michael Kelly will be returning after a break of almost three years.

Undefeated in six pro starts, the former Irish amateur champ says he’s hungrier than ever and wants to emulate the pro success of former amateur rival, Paul McCloskey.

Another man hungry for titles is Belfast’s Kevin O’Hara. By his own admission, O’Hara’s career has yet to live up to expectations but with 14 wins from his 18 starts ,“Sweet Pea” knows that he has solid foundations to launch a fresh bid for titles in 2009.

Also on the card is popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart. The Tyrone man has been mentored by the county’s All Ireland winning football manager, Mickey Harte, since turning pro just over a year ago and he’s hoping 2009 will be a massive year in his fledgling pro career.