By Terence Dooley

Dublin-based Stephen Ormond could give Irish boxing a timely boost following last Friday’s shooting at a weigh-in in Dublin that led to the cancellation of Saturday’s Dublin Arena bill and has since been claimed by the CIRA only for that claim to denied by a spokesman for the IRA.  “The Rock” was due to appear on the show, but once it was cancelled he turned his sights to his upcoming fight against Purto Rican-born Marcos Jimenez in Boston on March 19.

Jimenez holds a 21-6 (14) record, recent losses to Diego Magdaleno, Carlos Molina, Anthony Peterson and Jose Felix Junior are interspersed with modest wins—he stopped Rafael Eduardo Reyes (6-4, no KOs) in five last time out to get back amongst the Ws.

Ormond is 20-2 (11), his defeats came against Terry Flanagan, now a world titlist, and Paul Appleby; he holds a win over Derry Mathews, though, and is a handful at 135. 

The 32-year-old is fighting for the IBF intercontinental lightweight title.  Promoter Ken Casey believes that Ormond can win the belt to set up a strong 2016.

“This is only the first step for Stephen Ormond in 2016,” he predicted when talking to Kevin Byrne of The Sun.  “After he wins the IBF Intercontinental Championship, we will be working hard to secure him a major world championship fight.  This is going to be such a great night, House of Blues Boston, St Patrick's weekend, Stephen fighting the main event, the Dropkick Murphys playing, multiple championship fights, all at one show, how can you miss it?”

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