Pierce O'Leary vs Mark Chamberlain
Irish Jr. Welterweight Showdown Dublin Press Conference!
(June 3rd) The highly anticipated IBO World Super-Lightweight Championship clash between unbeaten Irish star Pierce “Big Bang” O’Leary and British rival Mark “Thunder” Chamberlain was officially launched on Tuesday in Dublin, as both fighters came face-to-face at a heated press conference ahead of their August 1 showdown at the 3Arena.
Broadcast live on DAZN, the launch event for “No Turning Back” immediately reignited tensions that have been simmering since their originally scheduled meeting collapsed earlier this year. The bout will headline a Queensberry Promotions card promoted by Frank Warren making the first defense of the IBO world title he captured in March.
The fight was initially scheduled for March 14 during O’Leary’s St. Patrick’s weekend homecoming in Dublin. However, Chamberlain was forced to withdraw approximately two weeks before the event after being hospitalized with a serious chest infection. Rather than cancel the contest, former world title challenger Maxi Hughes stepped in as a late replacement. O’Leary capitalized on the opportunity, overwhelming Hughes before the veteran retired on his stool after five rounds, earning the vacant IBO Super-Lightweight Championship and improving to 19-0, 11Ko's.
Addressing the postponement, O’Leary questioned whether Chamberlain had missed his best opportunity.
“I’m a bit annoyed at Mark, because Mark was the one that left the show in jeopardy. I think the only chance you had of coming close to beating me was the first one and you missed your chance. I think you’re in them silk pajamas. I just want you to show up. That’s all,” said O’Leary.
The Dublin native doubled down on his belief that Chamberlain has been “spoilt by success” and insisted the Portsmouth fighter has never encountered the kind of sustained pressure he intends to bring on fight night.
Chamberlain responded by dismissing concerns about his availability and reaffirming his commitment to the bout.
“I will be turning up. Health comes before anything else. It was frustrating, and it was gutting because every fighter knows what time and money goes into a camp. There’s no issues with me turning up. I’m coming over here to take his dream away,” said Chamberlain.
Their rivalry now carries even greater significance than it did in March. O’Leary enters the contest as the reigning IBO world champion and one of Ireland’s fastest-rising boxing stars. Born in Dublin’s Sheriff Street district, the 26-year-old boasts an outstanding amateur background, winning nine Irish national titles before turning professional. Since joining Queensberry Promotions, O’Leary has emerged as one of the leading figures in Irish boxing, compiling a perfect 19-0 record with 11 knockouts and capturing the European and IBO titles along the way.
Across the ring will stand Chamberlain, a dangerous southpaw from Portsmouth carrying a 17-1-1 record with 12 knockouts. A former WBC Silver, WBA Intercontinental and IBF European lightweight champion, Chamberlain earned international recognition with a devastating first-round stoppage of Joshua Wahab on the Tyson Fury–Oleksandr Usyk undercard in Riyadh in May 2024. After moving up to super lightweight, he battled unbeaten Jack Rafferty to a majority draw in a thrilling British and Commonwealth title contest and now receives the biggest opportunity of his career.
Promoter Frank Warren has repeatedly described the matchup as one of the most compelling fights available in the division, citing the aggressive styles and knockout power of both men. With O’Leary’s world title at stake and major rankings implications attached to the outcome, the contest has become one of the most anticipated boxing events of the Irish sporting calendar.
Set for Saturday, August 1 at Dublin’s 3Arena and streamed live worldwide on DAZN, “No Turning Back” will finally deliver a showdown that boxing fans have been waiting months to see. After the fiery exchanges at the launch press conference, one thing is clear: neither fighter intends to take a backward step when they meet in the center of the ring.
Ticket and full card info to be announced soon.
Queensberry, time and time again, delivers a debut to a champion journey for richly talented young fighters and provides an unrivalled platform for them to showcase their ability to the widest possible audience via a major broadcast collaboration and an exceptional digital portfolio.
Fight promotions are regularly staged, servicing the requirements of novice prospects, contenders, title challengers and champions. Boxers are given every opportunity to build a following and maximize their potential.
The wall facing the entrance to the Queensberry headquarters bears the words ‘This is where the magic happens’ because, for decades, it has been the location where the biggest fights have been hatched and matched, where the biggest shows have been plotted and where the best fighters arrive to sign promotional terms for Frank Warren to guide their careers.
It is always about the fighters - with the key being development - but also about the sport, the business of boxing and conjuring up magical nights for the fans and making the fights they want to see.
The experience of Queensberry and the tried and trusted model for creating champions is unparalleled in the sport of boxing. The expertise of International Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren has been employed for some 45 years in the professional ranks building some of the biggest stars and navigating them to world champion status.
Frank specializes in taking young fighters right from debut and implementing his knowhow to pick the right fights at the right time and therefore ensuring the boxer is given every opportunity to maximize his or her potential.
Queensberry is currently in the position of being the world’s premier promotional organization, having spent many years building talent and putting in the foundations to ensure prolonged success. The company currently boasts a number of world champions, multiple world title contenders, numerous title-holders and the finest crop of young future stars anywhere in the world.
Queensberry fighters have been given the opportunity to shine on the major global stage both at home and abroad, under the Queensberry banner.
About Frank Warren
In an era spanning over 35 years, Hall of Fame boxing Promoter and Manager Frank Warren has worked with some of the biggest fighters in boxing history. Hamed, Bruno, Tyson, Calzaghe, Benn, Collins, Eubank, Khan and Hatton are some of the iconic names he has promoted during his career.
BoxNation
In 2011 Frank launched the innovative direct to consumer TV model, BoxNation as part of a vision that saw the sports TV market evolving from the traditional reliance on major satellite and cable broadcasters.
Since then BoxNation has gone from strength to strength becoming the UK’s fastest growing independent subscription broadcaster in the process and showcasing the biggest fights from at home and abroad, along the way.
Through Queensberry Promotions and BoxNation, the future of British boxing has never looked in such great shape.
About DAZN
Welcome to DAZN, the global sports streaming platform that transcends boundaries and redefines the way fans experience their favorite sports. With availability in over 200 territories, DAZN ensures that sports enthusiasts around the world can immerse themselves in the thrill of live and on-demand content, on any device, at the touch of a button.
Purpose-built to seamlessly stream live sports on a global scale, whether its Boxing, MMA, Football, Wrestling, NFL, Tennis, we've got you covered — alongside an extensive catalog of live and on-demand content, making us the go-to destination for sports entertainment.
DAZN isn't just the Global Home of Boxing; it's a trailblazer in transforming the viewers experience. Through strategic partnerships with the biggest and most established boxing promoters, we bring top-class, epic boxing matches to fans worldwide, delivering unforgettable moments straight to your screens.
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Whether you prefer a traditional, more passive sports-watching experience or crave a gamified and interactive adventure, DAZN caters to your preferences. We're not just streaming sports; we're crafting an all-encompassing sports entertainment universe where every fan can find their perfect match. Join DAZN today and elevate your sports-watching experience to new heights.
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