Sweeney and Tims set to clash for Irish title
Light-heavyweight duo Ian Tims and Michael Sweeney (pictured) are on a collision course with the Irish title at stake. Speaking recently, the respective fighters appear keen on meeting in the near future.
“I’m in line for an Irish title and Sweeney is too so we’ll see what happens,” said Tims, speaking at the recent show held in
“I think Michael is ranked number one and even though I was campaigning at cruiserweight, and remained unbeaten, I’ve now dropped to light-heavyweight and I’ll fight anyone. Michael’s in the picture and we had a bit of banter the other night; I don’t know how he’s training at the moment but, regardless, let’s get it on. I’m always available.”
Tims turned professional in March 2008 off the back of a successful amateur campaign yet has made only seven starts (all wins) during that time and, by his own admittance, is eager for more ring time in 2010.
“I turned pro two years ago and only got two fights last year –one in January and one in December- but that seems to be the nature of the game so when the chances come along you take them. I’m always training or ticking over, I never let my fitness levels drop and anytime an opportunity arises I’m good to go,” assured Ian.
“Jamie Power or John Waldron, it doesn’t matter, at light-heavyweight or cruiser I’ll take on anyone, in Ireland or beyond; I can travel to England no problem and there’s some great prospects over there at the moment and a few seasoned pro’s as well.
“I’ve always wanted to box in
Good sparring can be hard to find and Tims has been assisting two of
“I’ve been sparring a bit with the likes of [undefeated heavyweight] Mike Perez who was a great amateur and for a big man he moves like lightning. Whenever I’m looking for a spar I’ll give Mike a ring and I was moving around with Gary O’Sullivan just before his recent title fight. Sparring with the lighter fellows can sharpen you up and there are some good guys out there even if it is a bit tricky getting workouts in
Michael Sweeney appears open to the idea of facing Tims and the Mayo man recently found himself sharing the ring with German world champion and Super Six participant Arthur Abraham.
“Quality sparring isn’t hard to come by, because team Sweeney have a lot of connections in
“There has been quite a bit of talk about Ian Tims and myself fighting for the title. I see it as a good match because Ian is 7-0 as a professional and would represent a good scalp on my record. We sparred a bit before but I know how this business works – Ian’s a good friend but that goes out the window come fight night,” confessed Michael.
“It will be a clash of two big guys with loads of experience, a fight not to be missed. The way I view the situation is even if it’s not Ian in the opposite corner I’ll take anyone just to get that title and produce a TV-worthy performance.
“Training has been going well in the Ocean fitness gym (based in Salthill,
“Michael was undefeated and had a blip in his last fight,” Ian said, “but he was boxing well from what I heard and just got caught. He’s got fast hands, was around a long time in the amateur game and overall not a bad guy. He has youth on his side but if we meet there has to be a winner and we’ll see how it goes on the night.”
If promoter Tommy Egan shows interest in putting this fight on his April 17 card Sweeney insists he would have no issues working with his former manager.
“I would work with Tommy again but I haven't heard anything from him about putting on a show. A fight in Mayo with a strong undercard would be great. Brian Peters, Gary Hyde, Tommy Egan whoever fancies it they will produce a sell-out because people here want the big fights.
“I wanted to fight Waldron,” Michael concluded, “or take a rematch with Jamie Power but I got no reply.
“If Sweeney versus Tims is what the fans want then let’s get it on.”
