“Big Bang” Casey targets European title

Willie “Big Bang” Casey, the Limerick super-bantamweight who shot to prominence with victory in the Prizefighter series on Saturday, has set his sights on a tilt at the European title.

Casey was a late addition to the Prizefighter programme, replacing fellow Irishman Wayne McCullough just two weeks ago.

However, the 28-year-old stopped Mark Moran in the quarter-finals before a split decision over Josh Wale took him into the decider.

There, he claimed the £32,000 winner’s purse with a points win over Scottish substitute Paul McElhinney, who had stepped in for Ricky Owen after the Welshman was denied the chance of taking his place in the final because of cuts.

Casey said: “This victory means I’m up there at the top of the division and I’ve proved I can be with the best. I only came here with five fights on my record but I beat everyone against all the odds.

“It was a great opportunity and if a big fight comes up then I will always take it. Prizefighter came along and without hesitation I accepted it.

“I was a bit edgy before the start as I normally come on stronger in the later rounds but then I had a fast start in my first fight.

“I showed a lot of character and that I have a big heart as there were some great lads in this. The best in Britain were in this competition including Esham Pickering and Jamie Arthur but I’m the one left standing.

“Who knows what the future holds? I might get a shot at the European title after winning Prizefighter. I’m very proud of everything I’ve done.”