Joshua vs Whyte: Spike O'Sullivan inspired by Irish underdogs ahead of Chris Eubank Jr fight
Wednesday 9 December 2015 15:02, UK
Spike O'Sullivan is convinced he will be the latest Irish boxer to upset the odds when he takes on Chris Eubank Jr live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The middleweight rivals meet on the Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte bill at London's O2 Arena on Saturday for the right to take on WBA champion Daniel Jacobs, who retained his title with a first-round stoppage of Peter Quillin this weekend.
O'Sullivan is a 4/1 outsider with Sky Bet, but the Corkman believes he has "got under Eubank's skin" with his pre-fight taunts about his opponent's father Chris Eubank Sr.
And he told Sky Sports News HQ he will silence "arrogant" Eubank Jr in London to put himself in the same bracket as Eubank Sr's two-time conqueror Steve Collins and journeyman heavyweight Kevin McBride, who famously retired the great Mike Tyson with a New York stoppage a decade ago.
"As an Irishman very often we're underdogs," O'Sullivan said. "McBride against Tyson - he was an underdog. Steve Collins against Eubank - he was also an underdog. It's no different this time, and the outcome will also be no different.
"He's a good boxer, but he's not a great boxer and I'm going to show that on December 12 and teach him a lesson."
O'Sullivan is trained by former world champion Collins' brother Paschal, and he said: "We have the blueprint with Steve and Paschal in my camp. I've no doubt we've a few tricks up our sleeves to deal with the Eubanks."
O'Sullivan-Eubank Jr is part of a huge bill topped by the heavyweight grudge match, but also featuring Kevin Mitchell, Josh Warrington, Tony Bellew and Luke Campbell.
"It's unbelievable," O'Sullivan said. "I'm a massive sports fan - sports is my life and Sky Sports is my favourite channel.
"Sky Sports News is the one I watch all the time, it's constantly on, and it's just very exciting. I'm delighted to get the opportunity to fight on Sky - it's a dream come true for me and I can't wait."
Watch Eubank Jr vs O'Sullivan on Joshua vs Whyte, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office, December 12, now available to order via phone or online.
