Dublin gets new boxing venue

Professional boxing in Dublin faces into a new era tonight when four bouts are scheduled for the new Vicar Street venue off Thomas Street. It will be the first of at least five tournaments between now and the end of May with local promoters Brian Peters and Syl McClean involved.

Tonight's bill will feature four of Ireland's most promising professionals: Willie Valentine, Cathal O'Grady, Jim Rock and Neil Sinclair.

The opposition from England include Graham McGrath, Nigel Rafferty, Jimmy Vincent and Mark Ramsey, all of whom are regarded as promising contenders for British titles.

The promising Cathal O'Grady has a six-round cruiser-weight bout against Nigel Rafferty. O'Grady, from Meath, has fought eight times since turning professional, winning seven within the distance.

But he will be up against a much more experienced opponent in Rafferty, who has fought 21 times while losing eight of those. O'Grady will have to be careful if his unbeaten record is to be preserved.

Much interest will centre on Neil Sinclair, from Belfast, who has a very good record at light middleweight. He has fought 11 times with only two defeats in the professional ranks.

The first bout, timed for 9.0, features Willie Valentine, the former jockey from Dublin who is having only his second professional bout. Valentine meets Graham McGrath at super bantamweight. Top of the bill is Jim Rock, who has lost only once in a professional career of eight fights. He meets Mark Ramsey from Liverpool. Rock has boxed at middle, light middle and super middle, and his versatility may yet win him an opportunity to fight for a European title which would open the way to further progress.

Musical entertainment will precede the boxing programme. The evening is expected to be a sell-out, but some tickets may be available this morning.

Further professional shows at the National Stadium are planned for March and April and details of these are expected to be available within the next two weeks.