Haughian on scouting mission in London

Newly crowned Irish Welterweight champ Stephen Haughian takes to the ring at the York Hall in London this weekend on the undercard to the Commonwealth title clash between Craig Watson and John O’Donnell.

The Lurgan man takes on Drew Cambell on the Hennessy Sports promotion which is being televised on ITV4 from 7:45. Should he come through his own fight unscathed Haughian will be a very interested spectator for the main event as he looks to press his claims for a shot at the winner.

Haughian claimed the Irish title in February with an impressive third round stoppage win over defending champ Billy Walsh and his trainer John Breen believes he’s ready for the winner of tomorrow nights fight.

“Stephen’s improving and maturing with every fight and I think he’s proved in his last couple of fights that he’s ready for a shot at the Commonwealth title,” said Breen.

Prior to defeating Walsh Haughian had avenged the only defeat of his 18 fight pro career when he comprehensively outpointed Giammario Grassellini to banish the memory of his controversial split decision points loss to the Italian for his IBF Inter Continental title in December of 2007.

Breen is tipping the Galway born O’Donnell to take the title from Watson in tomorrow night’s main event and set up an all Irish showdown with Haughian later in the year.

“John and Stephen have fought on the same card over here on three occasions, in Dublin, Limerick and Castlebar so they have both seen plenty of each other. O’Donnell’s a good boxer with fast hands and good movement but I believe Stephen would have too much for him.”

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Haughian confident despite “Pazmanian Devil” backing for Walsh

Billy Walsh and Stephen Haughian will finally get it on for the Irish Welterweight title at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on February 7th. Haughian has been eyeing a crack at the undefeated Corkman’s title ever since he won it 12 months ago and now he’s got his wish.

“To be fighting so close to home is a dream come true and to fight for the Irish title is the icing on the cake,” said the Lurgan man. Haughian’s only up close and personal look at Walsh came when he appeared on the Leesider’s undercard in Cork two years ago and he says he saw enough night to know he can win.

“He’s the kind of guy that just comes out swinging,” said Haughian. “He doesn’t take a backward step so it should be a good fight. He’s a decent right hand and a good left hook and I’m sure he’ll start fast but I’m confident and my preparations couldn’t have gone any better so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”


Stephen Haughian


Walsh is also quietly confident ahead of the first defence of his title and former two weight World Champ Vinny Pazienza has already made it known that he’s a fan of the Cork man.

Pazienza, who was known as the “Pazmanian Devil” during his fighting days is familiar with Walsh from his time in the U.S. The Rhode Island native enjoyed a glorious career that included an amazing comeback from a broken neck suffered in a car accident.

Since retiring in 2004 Pazienza has concentrated on TV work and he likes what he’s seen of Walsh. “I like Billy, he's just a naturally tough guy who comes out banging. He's got some boxing skills but he's a tough SOB to go with it.

“He looks really good, has tons of ability and has a lot of amateur experience too. He’s known as ‘Billy Boy’ but I think they should change his nickname to ‘Hammerin’ Billy Walsh because he throws tons of punches and is heavy handed.”

One welterweight who won’t be on the card is Neil Sinclair. The Belfast puncher has suffered a recurrence of a niggling back injury that also caused him some problems last year and has been forced to withdraw from the Craigavon card.

Two weight Irish champ, Andy Murray from Cavan heads the undercard as he looks to stretch his unbeaten professional run to 14 straight fights

Belfast’s Kevin “Sweet Pea” O’Hara is also in action along with unbeaten light welterweight Michael Kelly and popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart.

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Homecoming for Haughian

Stephen Haughian believes he’s ready to start chasing down major titles in 2009. The Co. 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 on Saturday, February 7th.

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 24Haughian 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. 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. 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 7th 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. 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 3 years.

Undefeated in 6 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.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved