Negotiations for boxing centre of excellence in City
BUS LOADS of fans from Limerick will descend on Dublin on Saturday night as Willie ‘Big Bang’ Casey challenges for the WBA World Super Bantamweight title.
As Willie prepares for his fight, this newspaper has learned that there are plans to develop a boxing centre of excellence on the Southside of the city.
Assistant Director of Limerick Regeneration Kieran Ryan has confirmed that the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) is considering the Factory Youth Space in Galvone, near Willie Casey’s home, as a hub for high performance boxers in Munster.
“The success of Limerick boxers Willie Casey and Andy Lee has renewed interest in the sport in the city and discussions are underway to re-establish Southill Boxing Club which was Willie Casey’s first club.”
Ahead of the world title fight,Mayor of Limerick Maria Byrne praised Willie Casey as a great role model for children.
“I’m delighted to see a Limerick man challenge for the world title and am looking forward to the fight, thanks to a personal invite from Willie – I’m very pleased that RTE is airing the fight, following their earlier decision not to show it. I also want to thank the local media for keeping the issue alive.
“Willie Casey has already brought a lot of honour to Limerick with his success and I hope it can continue – it would be fitting for him to win the title while Limerick is European City of Sport – everyone in Limerick is behind him.”.
Willie’s former trainer, Shane Daly of Our Lady of Lourdes Club said:”there is .a massive crowd heading up from Limerick – it’s a huge night for Willie and his family and we know he has what it takes t become World Champion.”
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