Three months after a bout of flu scuttled his contest with Dashaun “Too Sweet” Johns, wiry Dubliner Ryan O’Rourke finally squares off with the Brooklynite and former amateur standout at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island, this Saturday.
The “Silent Assassin” [9-0, 2 KOs] and Johns, a 4-2 [3 KO] southpaw, are scheduled to go eight rounds in the welterweight division.
Also on the Star Boxing card are two other Irish fighters. In the light heavyweight division, Harley “Heavy Hands” Burke, a 7-0 [6 KO] Galway-born prospect, takes on Kamron Humphrey [3-1 2KOs] from Brooklyn. And Dubliner Keane “Ice Man” McMahon [7-3 4 KOs] features in a welterweight bout with an opponent to be named.
Like O’Rourke, Burke was scheduled to fight on the Jersey City card three months ago. But injury to his original opponent, one Joseph Aguilar [4-1-1, 2 KOs], sidelined him.
STAR CLASS
Said promoters Star Boxing: “O’Rourke, who will celebrate his 24th birthday during fight week, is a gifted boxer who continues to grow into his strength. This was evidenced in his last bout in November, when he devoured Andreas Maier by first round TKO. Johns is an accomplished boxer and was a standout US based amateur who will try to match O’Rourke’s ability and push him to his limits. While O’Rourke aims to remain undefeated, Johns is focused on adding a quality fighter like O’Rourke to his resume.”
Johns's last two victories came by way of TKO, and while he is not willing to make any bold predictions, he believes in his abilities. “I'm more ready than I was before,” said Johns. “I know this is a step-up fight for him, so he has to bring his best because that's what I'm bringing. The legacy continues. The headline is ‘unfinished business.’”
O’Rourke, who will be fighting stateside for the third time in his young career courtesy of Star Boxing, is ready for the opportunity, “I am excited to be back in the United States to continue showing my abilities. Thank you to Joe DeGuardia for the opportunity, and be sure to tune in on May 13,” he said.
“Two fierce and skilled boxers will put their confidence and abilities to the test come Saturday,” said Star Boxing. “It may be an early fiery chess match between O’Rourke and Johns, as both men have shown an ability to switch quickly from tactical to brutal and change the outcome of a fight with just one punch.”
