Not for the first time, the 3Arena/O2/Point Depot has proven to be a house of pain for Irish boxing. Following in the footsteps of Bernard Dunne and Katie Taylor, Pierce O’Leary lost his unbeaten record in an enthralling encounter with Mark Chamberlain - a bout that is certain to make plenty of Fight-of-the-Year lists. Down twice early on and battling a bloodied, broken nose, Big Bang got right back into the contest by blasting Chamberlain to the canvas in a power-packed seventh round. However, just when the comeback looked on, he found himself on the receiving end of a vicious combination as his composed opponent managed to take him out. It capped off a brutal night that also saw the gallant Lee Reeves rushed to the hospital by ambulance after being knocked out by Gary Cully in one of the evening’s Irish derbies.
I’m joined by Joe O’Neill to intro the show, as we discuss the conflicting feelings a night like this brings, before hearing from pundits Carl Frampton, Darren Barker, and Barry Jones on the spectacle these boxers delivered for the Dublin crowd. We also hear from world champ Anto Cacace, who was in town to catch the action. Gary Cully talks to us from his dressing room immediately after his win over Reeves, sending his thoughts to his stricken opponent after possibly rescuing his own career with that late shot. We also feature reaction from Sean McComb and Adam Olaniyan, both winners on the card, as well as Craig O’Brien and Senan Kelly, who both suffered knockout defeats on the night. Dave Coldwell, trainer of Kelly’s conqueror Steven Cairns, tells us why his man can go right to the top, while Mayo middleweight Eoghan Lavin helps us sum up a night that will be remembered for reasons both good and bad.
All of us at The Rocky Road send our love and support to Lee Reeves, his family, and his friends during this tough time. Get well soon, Lee.
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