[caption id="attachment_71069" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Danny O’Connor."]
With a new trainer in his corner and rocker Ken Casey now managing him, New England junior welterweight Danny O’Connor is upbeat as he looks to forward to a new phase in his career.
Of Donegal roots on his father’s side, O’Connor will headline his first show May 24 at the Boston House of Blues [HOB]. The Framingham, Mass., product will face an opponent to be named in a scheduled ten-rounder.
“A little rock and roll,” O’Connor quipped from his Houston, Texas, camp where he’s working with ace trainer Ronnie Shields.
He spoke highly of Shields and said once he had the opportunity to work with him, he grabbed it with both hands.
“I bought a one-way ticket to Houston. It’s the best decision I’ve made in my career by far,” added O’Connor, who suffered his only defeat on an impressive 16-1 ledger [a points decision to Gabriel Bracero] before teaming up with Shields.
Among the world champions Shields has drilled are Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Pernell “Sweetpea” Whitaker.
Casey’s involvement as manager, meanwhile, completes Team O’Connor.
Although famously known as the bass guitarist and front-man of the Boston-based group “Dropkick Murphys,” Casey is a long time fight fan whose association with O’Connor goes beyond boxing. The fighter has volunteered with Claddagh Fund, Dropkick Murphys’ charity arm.
“I’m blessed to have someone like Ken and [the band] to help me,” said O’Connor, who’s never had a designated manager in his four-year pro career.
Casey lauded the former two-time national champion and 2008 Olympic Games alternate, and said his mission was to advance his career and create a fan base in the Boston area.
“It all starts with our first show on May 24 at the Boston House of Blues. It is the first professional card ever held at the HOB and we are looking to make a lasting impression,” Casey noted. “Our vision is to establish a fervent fan base all while restoring the proud tradition of New England boxing.”
“[Danny] is humble, honest and hardworking. I want to see him do well,” Casey remarked.
"I'm really excited about the future," the 26 year-old O'Connor said.
He's co-promoted by Lou DiBella's DiBella Entertainment and Florida-based Warriors Boxing, run by Leon Margules.
Proceeds from the May 24 show, whose theme is Boston vs. New York, will benefit the Claddagh Fund.
HYLAND FOE NAME
Veteran Frankie Archuleta is the next test for undefeated Irish super featherweight Patrick Hyland who headlines a May 12 “Irish Invasion” at Mid-Hudson Civic Center in upstate Poughkeepsie.
The 28-year-old Hyland [25-0, 11 KOs] and Archuleta, who’s 36 and has a 27-9-1 record with 14 KOs, are scheduled to go eight rounds.
Dublin-born Hyland, now fighting out of Marlboro, New York, will be hoping to reproduce the form that saw him beat another seasoned opponent in Emmanuel Lucero [26-9-1, 14 KOs] in Atlantic City last January.
Archuleta lost a decision to Lucero ten years ago and has also battled the likes of five-time world champion Johnny Tapia, winning once and losing once; Kevin Kelley, Rocky Juarez and John Molina.
The "Irish Invasion" card is presented by Final Round Promotions, in association with Team Snooki Boxing and Bob Duffy's Ring Promotions, with support from Title Boxing.
Tickets, pegged at $35, $50 and $100 [gold ringside], are available at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and from Ticketmaster outlets.
