Ormond claims vacant IBF lightweight crown

Ormond claims vacant IBF lightweight crown

By Simon Walsh

CLONDALKIN’S Stephen Ormond clinched the vacant IBF Intercontinental lightweight title last Saturday night in Boston, beating Marcos Jimenez on a unanimous decision, and he now has his sights set on claiming further titles, reports Simon Walsh.

The win was ‘The Rock's’ fourth victory in a row since being disqualified when he fought Terry Flanagan, and the Dubliner said the fight went very much how his team had anticipated.

Stephen Ormond IBF Fight March 19 - Joseph Kelley Photography
 Pic: Joseph Kelley Photography

“Before I got into the ring I visualized the shot I was going to throw and it worked, but the credit has to go to my corner I was fighting out of.

“In the early rounds he was dangerous with his wild hooks so Pascal (Collins) & Steve (Collins) said stay close to him and it payed of great.

“It feels great to have this title because the IBF are a very good organisation and it is a very good ranking for me.”

Ormond was fighting on a packed card, with several other Irish fighters included, and he said he is very grateful to those from Murphys Boxing and Ken Casey.

He said: “The lads in Murphys Boxing are doing a great job with me, you have to give them the credit, and Ken Casey put on a brilliant show, and to be headlining it in front of all the brilliant fans is something else”.

As for what is next for Ormond, the lightweight fighter is currently taking a brief holiday, but he said he is chasing the other champions in his division and a rematch with Flanagan.

“I’m waiting on news of what is next as now I’m on holiday but I’m keeping fit and this year I will be back out soon chasing the top world champions, but I would love a rematch with Terry Flanagan,” he stated.

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