NOW ranked as one of the top 10 active fighters in his division in Europe, Limerick’s Willie “Big Ban” Casey has declared that a European title fight is very close after moving his record to 10 fights with 10 wins when he took the points decision win over Italian Emiliano Salvini in Dublin last weekend.
Casey, buoyant after his prize fighter win, launched himself onto the world stage as the boxing world took note of the 28-year-old Southill powerhouse. And September 11 next could indicate his next opponent when Arsen Martirosyan and Kiko Martinez go head to head in Dublin for the vacant European super bantamweight title.
The former Our Lady of St Saviour Boxing Club member won his Dolphil Promotions bout last Saturday when the referee posted a 80 points to 72 score in favour of Casey.
Casey showed patient bouts of boxing together with his familiar powerful style of punching despite soaking up the odd tag landed by the strong Italian.
This week, PostSport caught up with Willie as he settled back to training ahead of his next pro bout on September 18 next.
“This is a big win under my belt and I’m moving up the rankings and making an impact. The work put in is paying off and this has been a great year for me. Last weekend was another step on the ladder.”
Casey however, is still keen on taking on the best and is keeping a close eye on the Martirosyan v Martinez fight on September 11 last and his chances of challenging for European glory.
“I’m 28 years of age and I don’t intend on becoming a journey man. I’ve fought some tough opponents in my 10 fights and if Kiko wins there’s a lot of talk of a fight with him possibly by the end of the year.”
Big Bang as he’s dubbed in the world of boxing is forever grateful for the support he receives and gets from the public and local business communities. Willie thanks those who supply buses for the fans and everyone from the local butcher gets the Southill boxer’s plaudits.
“It’s fantastic to see the support that has grown for me and I’m really grateful for it. Last weekend it was fantastic to see my old coaches from Southill Boxing Club there. I started there when I was 12 and now there’s talk of a European fight by the end of the year. It’s overwhelming at times you know.”
Willie will take to the highest mountain in Ireland this weekend as he pledges his support in raising money for charity at the Boxing for Battens on the top of Carrantouhill, Kerry.
See www.beeforbattens.org for more and t pledge.
Meanwhile, Limerick based, Alan Donnelan moved to a second career win when he won his middleweight bout against Scotland’s Lester Walsh at the same Dolphil Promotions series in Dublin last week.
Originally from Galway, Donnegan launched his pro career at the Yanjing Fight Night last May when he won his first fight on the undercard to Andy Lee at the UL Arena.
Donnegan is linked with the St Francis Boxing Club and the LIT boxing society.
