Appleby Faces Ormond For Celtic Title

Scotsman Paul Appleby will meet Irishman Steven Ormond for the Vacant Celtic Super Featherweight championship as chief support to Ricky Burns’ defence of his WBO World Lightweight Championship at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow on 10^th March.

Appleby last stepped through the ropes for his Super Featherweight Commonwealth title showdown against Liam Walsh. The man from South Queensferry was unfortunate to lose out to Walsh in a thrilling encounter which went on to win trade magzine Boxing Monthly’s Fight of The Year’, but walked away with his head held high from a fight that was hailed a small-hall classic.

Appleby will be looking to put in a similarly courageous performance but to come out the victor this time, when he meets Ormond in March. The Dubliner however will have different ideas, as he brings an unblemished record of 11-0 with him to Glasgow. Ormond was due to be facing Kevin Mitchell at York Hall this month, but pulled out having felt that he would not be ready in time to take on the challenge of fighter Mitchell’s calibre. Having given himself an extra months preparation and fighting at his preferred weight of Super Featherweight, Ormond is looking to give himself the best possible chance against the former British Featherweight Champion.

Appleby, confident ahead of the clash said, “I’m looking to get a good win for the Ormond clash, he’s got an unbeaten record but I’ll be looking to change that in Glasgow. After putting so much in and still not getting the win in Walsh fight, I’ll make sure I do everything possible to make sure my hand gets lifted at the end of the fight this time.”

The fight is part of an action packed card headlined by Ricky Burns v Paulus Moses and will be shown live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) Scottish Commonwealth Games Champion Calum Johnson and Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist Stephen Simmons also get the chance to build further on their outstanding amateur credentials, whilst ABA champion Damon Jones also makes his pro debut. Along with outings for prospects Kirk Goodings, John Thain,

Jonathan Slowy and Sammy Hill the show also represents a great opportunity for Glasgow to see some of British boxing’s future stars in action.

February 1, 2012