Boxing Prospect Danny O’Connor Makes National TV Debut On FNF

In only his fourth professional fight, 2008 US Olympic first alternate Danny O’Connor makes his national television debut Friday night in the opening bout on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights against light welterweight Jamar Saunders, 2-1-1 (1), at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The 23-year-old O’Connor, 3-0 (1), is coming off of his best performance as a pro, winning a unanimous four round decision on January 30 against Greg Jimenez.

“I’m very excited to be fighting February 27th on national television,” O’Connor said between workouts.

“All of my family and friends at home will be able to watch me fight on ESPN. For so many years some of my fans haven’t been able to watch my fights. This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my talent to so many people who’ve never seen me fight.

“I’m in my best shape, at the top of my game. I’ve trained hard and I’m coming to fight. I love fighting at the Hard Rock and it’s starting to feel like home.”

O’Connor, fighting out of Framingham, MA, won last year’s US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

Danny, who is promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing, defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, as an amateur last May in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet.

“We’re all very excited and can’t wait,” O’Connor’s co-manager and head trainer David Keefe remarked.

“Showcasing Danny on national television has been in our plans since Day 1 and now it’s happening in only his fourth pro fight.”