Recently crowned IBF Youth featherweight champion Martin Lindsay is the latest star addition to “The Only Show in Town” which takes place at the Kings Hall, Belfast on Saturday, December 8th. The Hunky Dorys Fight Night card is headlined by John Duddy in the biggest fight of his career against former European Champion and two time World title challenger Howard Eastman..
However the supporting cast looks equally impressive with the cream of Northern Ireland’s fighting talents on display including hot featherweight prospect Lindsay.
A two time Irish Senior amateur champion the Belfast man has established a big reputation for himself in the pro ranks.
With a perfect record of 9 straight wins Lindsay picked up the first title of his professional career last time out with an impressive points win in Canada late last month. The 25-year-old dominated Mexican propsect Uriel Barrera over 10 rounds to win the IBF Youth title which is seen as a stepping stone to genuine world honours.
“It was a great expereince,” said Lindsay. “It was my second fight in Canada and the crowd really took to me over there. It was on the undercard to Steve Molitor’s world title fight so there was a big crowd there and it’s set me up nicely for fighting back home.”
Only one of Lindsay’s pro fights to date have been in his native city so he’s itching to make his Kings Hall debut. “I can’t wait for it. I think it will be a massive night and I’m delighted to be part of such a great card. People have been asking me about tickets the whole time so I’m confident that I’ll have big support there.”
Lindsay’s manager John Rooney has big plans for the first half of 2008 including British and European title shots but the fighter himself isn’t looking too far ahead. “I’m happy to take it one fight at a time for the moment. I just need to keep on winning but obviously the aim of the game is to be challenging for the big titles and I’d like to think next year will be a big one for me.”
Certainly Lindsay should be well capable of looking after his ring earnings having graduated with a degree in Business, Finance and Investment from the University of Ulster earlier this year. “It’s always good to have something to fall back on outside of the boxing. It’s a short career and you need to have a plan B but for the moment I’m 100% comitied to making the most of my ability and hopefully the rewards will come in the next couple of years.”
Rooney beleives Lindsay is capable of fighting for the European title right now. “I think Martin’s pretty much ready for that. That’s a fight I’ll be looking for early next year. I think that might even happen before a British title but we’re keeping all our options open. We may have to box a final eliminator to get nominated for the British title but either way Martin will be ready for either of those fights at the start of next year.
“The people who look after Steve Molitor have also been very impressed with him and they want him to spar with Molitor before his next world title fight and that would be great expereince for Martin.”
Another of Rooney’s proteges will also step between the ropes on December 8th with super middleweight Kaine Brodie making his professional debut. “He was a good amamtuer but I think the pro game will really suit him,” said Rooney. “He’s from Peterboroughbut has family connections in Couty Down. He has fast hands and can bang a bit as well so I’m expecting big things from him.”
The addition of Lindsay and Brodie to the line-up ensures that the December 8th Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Kings Hall really is “The Only Show in Town”. Promoter Brian Peters said, “I think this is shaping up to the best card I’ve ever promoted. There are some really cracking fights on the bill and it should be a night to remember. Obviously everyone will be talking about the main event and that’s a huge test for John Duddy but the undercard looks very strong as well.
“Paul McCloskey and Stephen Haughian will be having their first title fights and the two Irish title bouts on the card should guarantee fireworks as well. Having Martin Lindsay on the bill is another great addition because a lot of people believe he is capable of going all the way to the top so it’s great to have him on the card.
Tickets for “The Only Show in Town” priced from £40 are currently on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.