It’s O’Neil against O’Neill and it’s going to be war!
Greg O’Neil and Richard O’Neill will slug it out over six rounds at Darlington on Saturday, May 26.
It’s not a family feud – Greg has just one ‘L’ in his O’Neil – but it promises to be some shoot-out between two men who were team-mates at the Gus Robinson Developments camp in Hartlepool.
Richard, from Ferryhill, left the Stranton House gym last year to switch to the Fishburn HQ of Jeff Saunders, while Horden entertainer Greg remained in town.
“It’s a great fight,” declared Gus Robinson Developments head coach Peter Cope. “They were team-mates for a while but things change in boxing.
“This is business and both know it’s a fantastic match and opportunity.
“Richard did well in his time with us and he was a joy to train, a really dedicated fella who I can’t speak highly enough of.
“Him leaving was not about boxing, it was more due to his personal circumstances. It will be nice to see him again but, like I said, it’s business.
“I will shake his hand before and after the fight.
“There is no animosity whatsoever and I’m sure that’s the same with Greg too.”
Richard is unbeaten in four bouts while Greg, something of a do-or-die performer, has won five and lost four of his nine pro dates.
His last appearance was over before it even had chance to begin, stopped inside the first round by Felix Cash at the York Hall in London last month.
That will not affect O’Neil who loves a scrap, as proven when the ‘Real Deal’ outpointed Yorkshire’s Harry Matthews for the BPA Classic Challenge Belt over eight rounds in York last year. O’Neil (left) is pictured above with Gus Robinson team-mate, Anthony Hardy, following six hard rounds of sparring this evening.
It’s the second derby cracker for what looks a tasty bill at the Dolphin Centre. Up and coming Darlington boxer Ellis Corrie has an eight-round Challenge Belt duel with Newcastle’s Basi Razak.
Former Prizefighter finalist, Chris Burton, makes his comeback after six years out while fellow Darlington fighter Troy Williamson is lined up to box, as is British super-bantamweight champion, Tommy Ward.
Sedgefield’s Michael Watson is in action while there are debuts for Luke Cope and Mark Downing.
Tickets are available from the fighters or via
www.proboxingnewcastlegateshead.com
Words: Roy Kelly
