Irish boxing had a vintage year in 2009; Bernard Dunne participated in Ireland's first world title fight in 13 years (he would go on to win the title in impressive fashion against Ricardo Cordoba), Paul McCloskey and Matt Macklin both lifted European Titles, there was also a record amount of cards staged in Ireland this year. Eddie Hyland Oisin Fagan got the nod for Irish fight of the year by most of the Irish boxing public, however there were two men who I feel deserved that accolade not once but twice! Anthony Fitzgerald and Robert Long participated in two classic blood and guts battles which ended with each fighter taking a loss. Long took the first fight, a six rounder, while Fitzgerald applied lessons learned in the gym to take the second fight.
While their first encounter was fought in front of a small crowd filled with mostly friends of the fighters, the buzz it generated meant that the second fight in what's sure to be a trilogy, had to take place in a bigger venue. The National Stadium in Dublin, the world's first and only purpose built boxing stadium, would be the stage for the second chapter of their battle. One man present that night was Brian Peters, Ireland's premier boxing promoter. I have to say that aside from when Bernard Dunne fights I have never seen him so engrossed in a fight. It was clear to me that Brian would have to have the winner on his next show.
When I asked Anthony if he was aware of Peters being memorized by his performance his eyes lit up and a smile developed across his face as he said, "I heard about it afterwards. He told me after what he though of the fight, he told me it was the best fight of the year. It's great to have Brian talk about me like that." It was clear to me that this sort of praise would be something the 24 year old would crave more of.
Following their bout Anthony Fitzgerald cemented his position as number one contender for the Irish Middleweight Title with a sensational win over Robbie Long. His reward was meant to be a shot at the vacant title, unfortunately as is often the way in boxing politics got in the way. The BUI had already reached an agreement to let Spike O'Sullivan fight Ciaran Healy for the strap. As luck would have it the Super Middleweight Title held by Andy Lee had been vacated. Fitzy would get his shot against Lee Murtagh on Dec. 5, 2009.
Days before the fight Murtagh pulled out with an injury, and Matt Scriven was brought in. As expected Fitzgerald dealt with his opponent easily and emerged with a wide unanimous points win.
Lee Murtagh would again be offered an Irish title opportunity against Fitzgerald, this time the fight would take place on Feb. 14 of this year. Yet again Murtagh would leave it until the last minute to inform his opponents management and the promoter.
Speaking with Steve Wellings of Irish-Boxing.com Murtagh had the following to say for himself, "I would like to apologize to Brian Peters, Tomas Rohan and Fitzgerald's management team for this and to everyone involved with the show. No doubt some people will accuse me of constant pullouts but they should accept the fact that I'm genuinely injured. It was my dream to win an Irish title and I would never deliberately withdraw from a professional contest."
As fate would have it Ciaran Healy would step in to take the fight. The previous December he had pushed Spike O'Sullivan to the limit for the Irish Middleweight title, which many believe Fitzgerald should have been fighting for in the first place. Many who were present for Healy's fight with O'Sullivan reported that Healy came close to victory. Tonight will be Fitzgerald's chance to lay down his claim to being the best middleweight at domestic level, to this end he weighed in for his super Middleweight fight at a weight of 162 lbs rather than blowing up to the full 168.
Fitzgerald has remained unfazed by the late change of opponents, and in fact he seemed rather pleased by it as he had been training to fight a southpaw. "It hasn't effected my preparation at all as fighting orthodox boxers is natural to me. Everything is going to be the same except I will move in a different direction," he said.
I have seen Anthony box on several occasions, and like many Irish fighters he has a high aptitude for getting involved in a brawl. I recently asked Fitzgerald which version we could expect to see at bell time, "That depends what Ciaran brings the table. If he comes to fight then I'm here to fight but if he comes to box I'll outbox him."
Ciaran Healy can blow hot or cold. He can be really tough to beat and can cause upsets, and at other times he will fold. With this in mind I asked Anthony which Ciaran Healy he expects to meet on tonight's card.
"I'm expecting the Healy that fought Spike to turn up. I heard it was a tough fight for Spike so that's what one I expect to see across the ring from me." He continued, "Which ever version of Healy turns up I hope he's here to fight, and I can get at least a couple of rounds out of him."
It's clear from speaking to him that this battle for the Super Middleweight Championship will not quench his thirst as her pursues his ambition to become the Middleweight Champion,
"When I win this I hope to go for the Middleweight Title. If Spike wants to fight me for it he can, but if he wants to give it up I will fight whoever for it. If Robbie Long wants to step in for it fair enough."