Andy Lee: I'll get revenge and make myself number 1 contender http://www.irish-boxing.com/2011/07/lee-plans-to-get-revenge-in-world-title-stepping-stone/
The New York G.Gloves has some pretty stiff competition. I haven't really followed them closely in a while, but I thought that there were only 2 categories, Novice (first time in the competition... and open (anyone who had competed before). I had thought that he was in open competition,because he had competed a few years (McDonough) before he won. But, That's only my memory, and I defer to anyone who knows for sure. If I remember right, he won in a first round k.o., Left hook I think:think I remember Christy Elliot fighting about 71'. They used to have a yearly competition of an Irish Team against American G.G. or amateur champ team. Sometimes even televised (Wide World of Sports). The Irish teams then, were not even close in quality to the kids from over here. (No offense, most times I was rootin for the Irish Lads!) So a big hats off to the people who are running the excellent Irish Amateur program now. But every year , the'd be one or two Irish kids who stood out. In 71, Iwas sitting next to an Italian American Guy, and the Irish side was not looking good at all. Then Elliot came up, I think at middle wt. against a kid with a good reputation who my friend was touting. (If memory serves) Elliot was backed up against the ropes, And I'm figuring oops, here we go again, then bingo...Elliot k.o.'s him hard. I remenber another Irish kid,I think in the 80's, at heavyweight or super heavy... seemed to be a favorite among his own team-mates.. No skill at all... Tough. A real "Rogie"type. Real barroom brawler. takin 3 shots to try and land one . Ya had to luv the guy. Ring any bells as to who he was?
Magee Groves anyone? http://www.irish-boxing.com/2011/07/magee-to-look-for-groves-if-he-beats-barboza/
I was surprised he even considered the fight with Cruise. Wasnt he saying that he wanted out of domestic level anyways.
Kiko Frampton back and forth continues!not likely now? http://www.irish-boxing.com/2011/07/lost-in-translation-forbes-claims-frampton-martinez-not-likely/ Eammon for the top- O'Kane targets big scalp on Sept 10 Bill http://www.irish-boxing.com/2011/07/eammon-for-the-topokane-targets-big-scalp-on-sept-10-bill/
To be honest I think American fighters are trained to fight in a pro way, and in an amateur fight, Irish fighters would probably be better in a points scoring system. For instance Con Sheehan after a lenghty injury in 2010 beat the National GG champion Roberto Morban 9-2. And having shared a ring with Roberto I can assure you he's a beast but has more of a pro style, What Thomas did in winning the Novice GG was a fantastic achievement. But personally i feel that perhaps his promoters saw the $$ signs the appeal in him being irish in NY to draw a crowd by going pro, Because I dont think he would have had a chance of winning the Open GG this year.
O Kane is looking for a name opponent over 8 in belfast,Id back OKane now to beat Fitz but could be a good matchup on a big card and sky sports covering might be just what fitz is looking for.