Mayo boxer to fight for European Union title

BoxingIrel.com

Not sure if there is much/any interest in boxing on this part of boards but I thought I would post this here in case there would be any support for this local fighter.

The EU in the stepping stone to the European title, which Bernard Dunne held, and its a tough ask to travel to France to challenge the title holder for his belt. Surely deserves a little local encouragement.

Not sure any fighter from Mayo has ever held any type of European title as a professional.

http://www.boxing-ireland.com/20100811nadjib_mohammedi_sweeney_for_eu_72.html

yop

Didn't see anything in the local papers about this that I can recall.

Fair play to him

BoxingIrel.com

Not been a massive response I see, lol!

Well here is a wee update - Sweeney has been brought over to Austria to help out with sparring and the training probably the best fighter in the world Wladimir Klitschko.

Here is a picutre of Klitschko, Sweeney and Hall of Fame trainer Manny Steward at the training camp today.

Coillte_Bhoy

Good to hear. Will be following him form now on. Bit surprised his 'people' aren't amkng more of a do about this in the local media here in Mayo. They would lap up a story like this.

BoxingIrel.com

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Good to hear. Will be following him form now on. Bit surprised his 'people' aren't amkng more of a do about this in the local media here in Mayo. They would lap up a story like this.

Well I will keep you updated if you want.

I am thinking of going over to support him.

If you know what local papers would cover him or if you have contact details then I would be happy to provide them with the raw materials for an article.

cheers

BoxingIrel.com

Bit of an unfortunate heading inadvertantly choosen by this British journalist. But still good coverage from Europes premier boxing magazine.

"Boxing's bad traveller Michael Sweeney gets Wladimir Klitschko's help"

http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/BN08/detail.asp?id=1938

Coillte_Bhoy

Piece in this week's Western People...

http://www.westernpeople.ie/news/story/?trs=eyqlkfgbkf&cat=sport

Ballinrobe professional, Michael Sweeney, has earned the chance to make a huge name for himself in the boxing game after the light-heavyweight was handed an EU title shot.

The impressive puncher will step into the ring with reigning champion, Nadjib Mohammedi, in the Frenchman’s home town, BouchesDu-Rhone on October 8 and the Mayo star is confident of victory.

“I’ll be carrying the Green and Red flag into battle in France and I’ll be coming back with a win,” he told the Western People this week from his training camp in Austria, where he’s in very good company.

“I couldn’t have better people around me at the moment. I’m training hard here under Emanuel Steward and sparring with world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klithschko. You can’t buy that type of experience and I’m loving every minute of it.

“I know how lucky I am. This is the big break that I was looking for and I know I can win this fight and move on. I’m happy the way camp is going, and this fight means a lot to me,” the boxer with nine wins and one draw from eleven fights, explained.

There will be two special people in Sweeney’s thoughts when he steps through the ropes in the Gymnase J Roure for the title decider.

“I’m doing this for my late grandad Dave Sweeney who passed away last year, not a day goes by but I think of him and also for his nephew Michael Sweeney, who passed away this year. Life’s been hard lately but they’d have loved to see me box in such a big fight and they’ll be in my thoughts on October 8.”

Sweeney’s opponent, Mohammedi, has a fine record with 22 wins from 23 fights. He won the title back in April when he stopped Tomas Adamek in four rounds but Sweeney is determined to defeat him in his own back yard.

“I don’t care where the fight is, I’m determined to bring the title back to Ballinrobe and having to box in France won’t make any difference to me.”

BoxingIrel.com

'Storm' brewing in Austria!

http://boxing-ireland.com/20100826_michael_sweeney_wladimir_klitschko_22.html

BoxingIrel.com

Right guys, quick update. I've booked a flight to Marseille for the fight so should have a report and photographs - maybe even some video - of the fight.

It's a long way to go for a 24 hour trip so I hope its worth it in the end. He is up against though.