Photo by Mike McGuigan

This Friday (7th April 07), fight fans will once again get to see “The Slick Fighting Irishman” Simon O’Donnell, a 21 year old middleweight from Galway, Ireland who traveled across the pond to find out what he is made of in the Mecca of Middleweight boxing, Philadelphia, PA. O’Donnell has responded to the challenge so far by going undefeated in his first three professional bouts, two of which come by way of knockout. In his debut at the Blue Horizon back in September of 2006, he thoroughly dominated a veteran of 25 pro fights and in his most recent appearance in Philly, he scored a 1st round knockout dropping his opponent three times within the first 2 minutes of the bout. But he is not your average bar room brawler, he is actually quite the technician in the ring and fans are starting to take a liking to the Irishman because he always means business when he steps through the ropes. He will face his toughest test to date as he returns to the Blue Horizon to go up against the iron chinned South Philly slugger Joe Christy in a fight that promises to let the leather fly. Simon recently took the time to speak with us about why he chose Philadelphia to start his career, his future goals, his upcoming fight and more. If you can't make it out to the Blue on Friday, you can watch the live telecast for free online at www.fightingcity.com


Philly Keith: Simon, thanks for taking the time to talk with us, I am sure you have been busy, how long have you been back in the USA?

Simon O’Donnell: I came back to the States on Tuesday

PK: What made you choose Philly as the place to start your boxing career?

SO: Everyone knows Americans are the best in the world for professional boxing, I thought why not come to America to learn my trade. Philadelphia has a reputation for their middleweights that goes back a long way. I learn something new everyday when I am here.

PK: How long have you been boxing?

SO: I have been around boxing all of my life. My father was a great boxer; he had 10 brothers all of whom boxed. I have three 3 brothers and they were into boxing too. My oldest brother was a great boxer back home. I had around 50 amateur fights then made my professional debut at the Legendary Blue Horizon last year which was a great honor.

PK: You make your return to the Blue this Friday, set to fight a Philly tough middleweight Joe Christy. What do you know about him?

SO: Well he was on the on the same card I was on when I fought at the Alhambra. I know he is a good, tough fighter but I am ready for him.

PK: How have you been preparing for this fight?

SO: I’ve been doing what I always do which is train hard. I never cut any corners and give it my all.

PK: When you are in Philly, where do you train?

SO: When I am here I train at Shuler’s Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia with Percy Custas. Buster is good stuff and I learn a lot from him. I have been sparring with Yusef Mack; he is a great boxer with a big future. He is very tricky.

PK: Who does your team consist of?

SO: I am trained by Percy Custas and managed by Tom Moran. The team is me, Chazz Witherspoon and Kassim Ouma, we are all managed by Tom.

PK: What is your goal as a pro boxer?

SO: I want to go to the top; I traveled a long long way to get here so I want be the best, be a world champion.

PK: Who are some of the fighters you like or try to emulate in the ring?

SO: Right now I am watching one of my favorite fighters Oscar De la Hoya. I also like Floyd Mayweather who will be fighting Oscar. Joe Calzaghe from Wales is great, I think Roy Jones Jr was phenomenal; I also like Bernard Hopkins a lot.

PK: Who do you think will win when Oscar and De La Hoya fight?

SO: I think Oscar will win. He is too much of a warrior, he always trains hard, De La Hoya never cheats and always gives 100% effort when he fights.

PK: Anyone out there who you would like to fight?

SO: No not really. I’m a very clever boxer so I don’t care who they put in front of me.

PK: There are some really good Irish Middleweights out there, namely Andy Lee and John Duddy. Do you have any interest in mixing it up with those two sometime in the future?

SO: I know Andy Lee, I have seen him box in the amatures, he is very clever and John Duddy is a great boxer with a lot of heart. Duddy opened the door for every Irish boxer who ever wanted to come to America. Hopefully i can gain the audience that he has. I hope Duddy and Andy Lee becomes world champion and also one day that I become World Champion. Hopefully we can all reach the furthest point in our career and never have to meet.

PK: Do you plan to continue fighting in the states or going back home to fight in Ireland anytime soon?

SO: Oh yeah I would love to go back to Ireland to fight, but my main priority is to try to get things going here first.

PK: Anything you would like to say in closing?

SO: I am glad to be back in Philadelphia, to people who have been emailing me thanks for the support. I am really happy and looking forward to Friday. Thanks to Buster and Tom for the work they do, hopefully I can pay them back with a good performance on Friday.

PK: Nár laga Dia do lámh, Simon! (May God not let your hand go weak)

Thanks to Marc Abrams of www.15rounds.com for hooking it up!



If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com

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