Storm warning For Ireland's light-heavyweights
County Mayo’s Michael 'The Storm' Sweeney has posted a warning to all light-heavyweights, at home and abroad, as he aims to make 2010 a year to remember. Speaking ahead of a surprise chance on the undercard of Cristobal Cruz-Ricardo Castillo, in Mexico on 19th December, Sweeney outlined his future plans.“I leave five days beforehand and training has been going well,” explained the popular 26-year-old from Ballinrobe. “I’m really looking forward to the experience (of travelling to Mexico) and having a fight just before Christmas means a good end to 2009. I'm promising a good year in 2010, getting up there with the big boys and proving that Michael Sweeney can fight.
“Everything has been going well so far in my career and this Mexican assignment leaves me with ten fights to my name going into the New Year. I'm going to Germany in January to spar Arthur Abraham again, preparing him for the upcoming ‘Super Six’ fight with Andre Dirrell.
Michael feels that this level of sparring proves his name is out there, but the main agenda includes a domestic title and the opportunity to cement his place as one of Ireland’s top fighters.
“First and foremost I want title fights– starting with the Irish title. If I could win that it would be a great honour to have because I'm Irish and then I want to move on to European level later that year. I’m taking things one step at a time. John Waldron is next in line for the Irish belt because I’ve already beaten the other challenger, Jamie Power.”
Sweeney demolished Power in three one-sided rounds at the O2, with Bernard Dunne’s unsuccessful WBA title defence headlining the show. The accuracy and variety of punches was too much for the tough, but limited, Power who was dropped, cut and left thoroughly disheartened before referee Mickey Vann called time. It was generally agreed that Sweeney would have greater success early, while Power’s pressure would drag his man into deep waters as their eight-rounder progressed – in reality, it never threatened to last that long. The only thing missing was the vacant Irish light-heavyweight title, which will surely be on the line if and when Sweeney tangles with rival John Waldron in the near future.
“With only three active light-heavyweights’in Ireland I think Waldron’s next in line and I know for a fact he’s not going to stop me moving onwards and upwards. John’s a nice guy and a friend but as I’ve stated before, boxing is a business and friendship goes out of the window on fight night. I just want to prove to the people of Mayo that I'm the best light-heavyweight in Ireland.”
While amassing an 8-0-1 record as a pro, with plenty of experience in America, Michael has been guided under the stewardship of charismatic manager Tommy Egan. Even though the Mexican show is promoted by Art Pellulo’s Banner Promotions (with whom Egan boasts contractual ties) Sweeney revealed he has broken links with the Irish businessman.
“I'm gone from Tommy Egan, in fact, I never had a contract with him,” he claims. “I'm a boxer and I don't want to get caught up in the politics. I just want to keep fighting and most of all keep winning.”
Submitted by Steve Wellings on 29 November, 2009 - 12:42
