PIERCE O'LEARY LINKS UP WITH QUEENSBERRY

IRISH SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT star Pierce O’Leary has signed a promotional agreement to fight under the Queensberry banner and to be managed by Francis Warren.

The 22-year-old will make his Queensberry bow on July 16 at the Copper Box show headlined by Hamzah Sheeraz vs Francisco Emmanuel Torres where he will contest the vacant WBC Youth super-lightweight title.

Currently 9-0 as a professional, with five KOs to his name, O’Leary is quickly becoming a genuine contender in his division and has thrilled fans with his bludgeoning power and improving ringcraft.

Known as ‘Big Bang’, O’Leary is a nine-time national champion in his native Ireland and, on turning pro, he moved his training base to Bromley to work with respected coach Alan Smith alongside the likes of Sam Noakes, Dennis McCann and Henry Turner.

“I am excited to be with Queensberry and I am looking forward to big things ahead,” said the Dubliner who trades in the currency of knockouts, with four of his last five requiring the intervention of the referee to end proceedings.

“When I am in the ring expect a KO because I am coming to hurt them. I am not in there to tiddle anyone up, I am in there to get the job done, go home safe and sound and feed my family. When I am in there, I go all guns and that’s it.

“I will be out in July and, hopefully, it is for a title, and we will go from there. It is going to be a massive year and I want to end it with some titles.

“I am excited, as I said, I have a great team around me, great plans and I am looking forward to it. I have seen first-hand how the lads have been treated and it has been fabulous. I am really looking forward to teaming up with Frank and Francis Warren.”

Manager Francis Warren added: “Pierce is a top-quality fighter who I am delighted to welcome onboard. He is not known as Big Bang for nothing and the fans and BT Sport viewers will enjoy watching this young man at work.

“He is part of a great set-up at the Queensberry iBox Gym with Alan Smith, who fully believes he is working with a future world champion.

“I am looking forward to seeing Pierce in action on July 16 at the Copper Box and to guiding his career towards major title success moving forward.”

Tickets for the show at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 16 July are on sale now priced from £55 and are availible from SeeTickets.com.