Shock cancellation stuns local boxers

THE economic downturn has been blamed for the shock cancellation of the Limerick pro-boxing double bill in New York on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day.
Castleconnell’s Andy Lee was to headline the event in Madison Square Garden with another former St. Francis Boxing Club member Jamie Power on the undercard.
Just 10 days before the event, Irish Ropes Promotions announced that ‘Erin Go Brawl II’ at the WAMU Theatre in Madison Square Garden had been cancelled, citing “the poor economy in the United States and Ireland that adversely affected advance ticket sales” for its decision.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, but ticket sales were way off compared to two years ago when the economy was much better here and back in Ireland,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin explained.
“We apologise for any inconvenience, especially to all of the boxers who worked so hard to prepare for their fights.”


Detroit-based middleweight Lee was scheduled to fight three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols in the main event while former WBC bantamweight champion and 1992 Olympic silver medallist Wayne McCullough had been set to meet Alex Becerra in the 10-round co-feature. Jamie Power, a 28-year-old married father of two from Norwood Park, was to face Reggie La Crete in a six-round contest.
Jamie Power’s manager Ken Moore described the cancellation as a “huge” blow to the popular light heavyweight.
“This is a huge disappointment to Jamie - it was always his dream to box in Madison Square Garden.
“He has done so much work to get ready for this fight and everything was ready for him to fly out next Thursday,” Ken Moore told Leader Sport.
The cancellation has caused major travel problems for over 30 Limerick boxing fans who were due to fly to New York for the event.
“My brother Jamie Moore was flying out with Jamie Power next Thursday and nearly everyone on the flight was going over to see Jamie and Andy box,” explained Ken Moore.
While Andy Lee and manager Emanuel Steward take time to decide his next move, Jamie Power is hoping to get into the ring as soon as possible.
“Jamie has worked really hard since Christmas and is in the best shape of his career. We will try our luck and maybe get him on the undercard of the Bernard Dunne world title fight on March 21 and there is also a possibility of a Galway event at the end of the month,” said Ken Moore.

Jerome O'Connell