Sutherland makes Great Strides

ARREN SUTHERLAND'S trainer Brian Lawrence has become a phone pest bombarding Frank Maloney with non-stop calls. Lawrence has been so impressed with the gym form of Ireland's Olympic bronze medallist he is can't stop running up a huge phone bill telling the world about his stable star. Sutherland makes his eagerly awaited professional debut at Dublin City University on Thursday December 18 when he boxes a six round super-middleweight fight. Darren's promoter Frank Maloney said: "Brian calls me all the time telling me how good Darren is - even late at night. "The calls would drive most people mad but at least I can sleep because I know I've invested wisely. "Most of the British Olympic team will be revealing their futures in next week, but I am not interested in any of them. "I am not a betting man, but I am convinced that Darren will go further than any of them." Lawrence added: "I have worked with a lot of fighters and Darren has the potential to be the best of the lot. "When spars things in the gym stop. Darren can fight, has amazing balance and can punch very, very hard. "Frank has unearthed a special talent without and Darren will become my masterpiece." Dazzling Darren's debut will be televised live by Sky Sports who will follow his route to the top. Top of the bill in Dublin is Rendall Munroe's (16-1) European super-bantamweight title defence against Italy's Fabricio Trotta (13-4-2) in a quality 12 rounder. Irish light-middleweight champion Jamie Moore (30-3) boxes a six rounder ahead of his crack at the vacant European light-middleweight early next year. London based Irishman Martin Power (19-3), the former British bantamweight champion faces a tough test against Gary Davies (7-2-1). In a special attraction Craig Watson (13-2) defends his Commonwealth welterweight title against Adnan Amar (22-1), a protégé of Dubliner Brendan Ingle. A third title bout on the bill sees Jason Booth (30-5) risks his Commonwealth bantamweight crown against Sean Hughes (15-7-1).