Pierce O’Leary takes aim at Darragh Foley in tonight’s ‘Belfast Brawl’

PIERCE O’Leary features at the SSE Arena in Belfast tonight against Aussie-based Irishman Darragh Foley. Dubliner O’Leary is being groomed as one of the future stars of Irish boxing and this premium slot will push him to the next level if he can deliver a suitable performance.

Despite the five losses on his record, Foley is never an easy evening for anyone. Last seen losing to Jack Catterall over a year ago, prior to that contest, Darragh scored an upset win over an injured Robbie Davies Jr in Liverpool.

Filling the gaps left by Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan (whose long-term boxing ambitions are still up in the air), the entire island needs new standard bearers to step forward and assume their roles. Pierce has a strong supporting cast of rising prospects and contenders showcasing their abilities this evening.

Now topping the bill, Conor Quinn is enjoying a good run of form that included a late 2023 Celtic title success over Scotland’s Chris Liddell in front of his hometown fans. Quinn, who endured a torrid start to his pro career, has settled under the guidance of Mark Dunlop and now Queensberry Promotions. He takes on Conner Kelsall for the vacant Commonwealth flyweight crown.

Colm ‘Posh Boy’ Murphy, James McGivern, Steven Cairns and Jack Turner also feature. Plus, another Fury enters the professional ranks. Super-welterweight Walter Fury makes his debut deep on the undercard.

All of the fighters weighed in yesterday at the Europa Hotel:

The WBC International Super-Lightweight Championship

Pierce O’Leary – 139.8lbs

Darragh Foley – 139.8lbs

The vacant Commonwealth Flyweight Championship

Conor Quinn –  111.5lbs

Conner Kelsall – 111.4lbs

The BUI Celtic Lightweight Championship

James McGivern – 134.4lbs

Rashid Omar – 135lbs

The vacant Commonwealth Silver Featherweight Championship

Colm Murphy –  125.2lbs

Jack Turner – 125.2lbs

8×3 Minutes Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest

Jadier Herrera – 134lbs

Andreas Navarete – 133.7lbs

6×3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest

Steven Cairns – 136lbs

Jonatas De Oliviera – 136lbs

6×3 Minute Rounds International Bantamweight Contest

Jack D Turner – 119.3lbs

Gerson Larios – To weigh in later

6×3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest

Nelson Birchall 129.9lbs

Kevin Trana 130.7lbs

4×3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest

Eoghan Lavin – 160lbs

Artjom Spatar – 161.6lbs

6×2 Minute Welterweight Contest

Nicola Barke – 142.8lbs

Kerry Hayley – 144.8lbs

4×3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest

Walter Fury – 159.8lbs

Vasif Mamedov – 162.5lbs

4×3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest

Joe Cooper -158.5lbs

John Henry Mosquera – 157.6lbs