Patience is the key for Ormond in Euro title bid
By Stephen Leonard
STEPHEN Ormond insists patience is the key to seeing him avenge his loss to Craig Evans almost two years ago when the two meet again in another fight for the WBO European Light-weight title in the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff on Saturday.
The Clondalkin boxer was not happy with his performance or the fight the last time they clashed in Belfast, but believes that the experience has left him better equipped to secure a favourable outcome this time around.
Clondalkin’s Stephen Ormond insists he will need to be patient in order to see off Craig Evans when they clash for the WBO European Lightweight title in Cardiff this Saturday.
Ormond, responding to the question of what he must do to overcome his Welsh opponent on Saturday, said “Patience, slow it down and don’t rush it. I really feel that’s the key to winning this fight.
“I have to have patience and I finally learned that after all my years in boxing” he laughed.
“The last time we fought I just didn’t perform. It was just a very draining fight and it turned into more of a wrestling match. It was awful to watch.
“But I’ve learned a lot from that and that experience of having fought him will help me” he said.
Ormond is no stranger to the WBO European Lightweight prize having won it back in September of 2013 when he beat Hungary’s Adam Mate.
He successfully defended it three times, beating Derry Mathews along the way, before losing it to Terry Flanagan in February of 2015.
He got the chance to win it back when he last met Evans but did not get the decision on that occasion nor against Paul Hyland Junior when then faced off for the IBF equivalent four months later.
Ormond has won all three of his fights since then and is looking forward to getting another crack at the continental strap even if it is on Evans’ home ground.
“I’m fighting him on his home turf so it’s going to be tough, but I’ve fought all sorts in their backyard” said Ormond
“I’ve had a very enjoyable camp. I’ve had eight weeks to prepare for it, but I’m always in the gym, keeping fit.
“I didn’t punish myself in this camp and I’m feeling good coming into this fight.
“It’s a great opportunity for me. I really want to win this title because it will push me up the rankings and I really feel it’ll lead to an even bigger fight” he added.
