Fighting Irish plan summer sizzler by British Boxing May 8th 2008

'The Best of the Fighting Irish', according to promoter Brian Peters, are set to showcase their talents at Dublin's National Stadium on July 12th. Seven of Ireland's best including Bernard Dunne, Matthew Macklin, Andrew Murray, Oisin Fagan, Darren Corbett, Ian Tims and Keith Cresham will see action on what should prove a hot summer's night of boxing at the National Stadium. Dunne will headline the card in an international ten-round contest as he looks to take another step towards a world title shot, having recently rebounded from last years European title defeat with a comprehensive win over former world champion, Felix Machado. The second ten rounder on the card will see Matthew Macklin square off with Philadelphia danger man Willie "The Gladiator" Gibbs. Following his out-pointing of former world champion Yori Boy Campas in March, Gibbs promises to be another step up in class for the Birmingham based Irishman. Reigning Irish light-welterweight champ Andrew Murray will look to extend his unbeaten record (12-0) in a scheduled 10 rounder, whilst the former Irish light-welter champ Oisin Fagan will also be on show in the eye of a possible showdown between the two in the future. Add the return of big punching Belfast star Darren Corbett to the mix and appearances from unbeaten prospects Ian Tims and Keith Cresham and it all adds up to a mouth watering night of boxing for Irish fight fans. Promoter Brian Peters believes it could be a huge night in the careers of both Dunne and Macklin. “For Bernard there's a possibility that we could bypass the European title and go for a World title. Bernard had a good win in Castlebar last month against a very decent opponent in Felix Machado and I'm sure if he can get another couple of wins like that we'll be knocking on the door of a world title shot. "Matthew also has a big night ahead of him. He stepped up a level last time and did very well against Campas and Gibbs is definitely another step up again. He's a big puncher and a really dangerous opponent but if Matthew gets past him it will create a few ripples Stateside because Gibbs is very much a known quantity over there." For Gibbs, fighting certainly seems to be in the blood. The 32-year-old is a cousin of Bernard Hopkins and like his cousin he has developed a ring persona. Hopkins calls himself the "Executioner" while Gibbs goes by the name of "The Gladiator" and enters the ring wearing a Gladiator's mask. He's backed up that particular moniker by compiling a professional record of 20 wins and 3 losses. Sixteen of those wins have come by stoppage so he can clearly punch. However, having seen Gibbs fight, Macklin remains confident, stating; “He's a big strong guy, but I didn't see anything to frighten me”. Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night are available from Thursday, May 8th at Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

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