Stephen eyes British title fight

LURGAN’S Stephen Haughian is determined to push himself to the brink of a British welterweight title fight if he can defeat John O’Donnell at the Odyssey Arena on December 1.

Irish welterweight champion Haughian has no doubt he will be too hot for former Commonwealth welterweight champion O’Donnell who also has British title aspirations.

Haughian hasn’t fought for some time and feels very frustrated that he has been left out of the British title picture but sees O’Donnell as the route to a shot at British champion Frankie Gavin.

Haughian and O’Donnell fight an eight rounder at the Odyssey Arena on the supporting bill to World heavyweight title contender Tyson Fury’s big showdown with former world title challenger Kevin Johnson.

“It’s great that I’m getting to fight John O’Donnell because it’s a bit of a grudge fight — he avoided me two years ago when we wanted the fight but now it’s on which is great,” said Haughian.

“I can’t believe that it’s 18 months since I last boxed, it’s like I’m coming out of retirement to fight again.

“But you know all the experiences that I have had have just made me stronger. I thought my career could have gone better, I believe that I still have to fulfil my potential and I’m just glad that I’ve been given the chance to fight again.

“I’ve had a tough time, I just seemed to be ignored even though I have a record 21 wins two defeats and one draw but I’m feeling great and I’ll be ready to go and win.”

Haughian, who has been working as a fitness instructor, is back in great shape according to his coach John Breen.

Breen said, “This is a massive opportunity for Stephen, when he wins this fight he’ll fight Gavin for the British title. That’s a fight Frank Warren would be keen to make.”

Related topics: