Rising Dublin prospect Glenn Byrne was set to travel north to face Belfast’s Owen O’Neill on March 20 as part of the undercard to the clash between Michael Conlan and Kevin Walsh in Belfast.
However, the bout has now been thrown into uncertainty after O’Neill withdrew from the contest, leaving Byrne awaiting news on whether a replacement opponent will be secured for the card.
Byrne, who hails from Loughlinstown in south Dublin, has built a solid start to his professional career with a record of 6-0-1 (1 KO) since turning over in November 2023. Guided by his brother and promoter Jay Byrne of JB Promotions, the 29-year-old has been kept active and continues to gather valuable experience as he climbs the ranks.
From football pitches to the boxing ring
Growing up in south Dublin, Byrne describes a happy upbringing, crediting his mother for the sacrifices she made for the family. Like many young Irish athletes, his first sporting love was football before boxing gradually took hold.
“I played football mostly as a child,” Byrne explained. “I touched into boxing when I was about 10 for a small time and then went back to football. When I was 16 I got back into boxing for a few years.”
His early journey in the sport took an unconventional route. Byrne began with white-collar bouts before transitioning into the amateur ranks, competing in the intermediates and picking up a couple of victories. After gaining further experience in semi-professional contests in Ireland and England, he stepped away from boxing for several years before returning to pursue the professional path at 26.
A key influence during that time was his brother Jay.
“Jay helped me a lot. I was always around him, so when he was doing something I wanted to do it as well. That’s what really led me into boxing.”
Building momentum under JB Promotions
Since making his professional debut in late 2023, Byrne has quickly established himself as a regular presence on Irish cards. Fighting under the JB Promotions banner has provided consistent opportunities, something Byrne believes has been crucial in his development.
“I couldn’t be happier working with JB Promotions,” he said. “To me they’re the best promotional outfit in Ireland. The activity and opportunities they get their fighters is unmatched.”
Despite the obvious family connection with promoter and trainer Jay Byrne, Glenn insists he feels no added pressure.
“I don’t feel any extra pressure. Jay has all his fighters’ best interests at heart. When he’s matching fights he’ll make the right decision, and because he’s coaching me he knows my capabilities.”
The Lopez draw and moving forward
The only blemish on Byrne’s record came in 2025 when he battled Spain’s Charley Lopez to a thrilling draw. Many ringside observers felt Byrne had done enough to get the nod, and a rematch had been scheduled before collapsing during fight week.
“When the fight fell through last time I was devastated,” Byrne admitted. “It was something I really wanted to fix.”
However, with ambitions of a move to welterweight and chasing titles at 147lbs, Byrne now believes it is time to focus on the future rather than revisiting the contest.
“At this stage I’d prefer to move on. I don’t want to waste any more time on it.”
Learning alongside champions
Preparation for March 20 has included a valuable training stint in Amsterdam under respected coach Pete Taylor. While there, Byrne shared the gym with top Irish contender Sean McComb and experienced the elite environment created by the legend Katie Taylor.
“It was an amazing experience, one that will stand to me,” Byrne said. “Sean’s an exceptional fighter with a brilliant fight IQ, so getting rounds in with him was great.”
Training in the same environment as Katie Taylor was a moment Byrne says he will never forget.
“She’s the best of the best. Just to be in her company and in that training environment was special.”
Waiting on a March 20 opponent
Byrne had been preparing to travel into hostile territory to take on Belfast’s Owen O’Neill in his hometown on March 20.
The south Dublin fighter expected a lively atmosphere on the night but was confident his previous experience of boxing on big Irish cards would help him handle the occasion.
“Yeah, I’m expecting a hostile crowd,” Byrne said when discussing the bout. “But I travel well in numbers and my lot will make it noisy too.”
Having previously fought on major shows at Dublin’s 3Arena, Byrne felt the big-fight environment would not faze him.
However, with O’Neill now withdrawing from the contest, Byrne and his team will be hoping a replacement opponent can be secured so the Dublin man can remain active on the March 20 card.
Big ambitions for 2026
Looking ahead, Byrne’s focus is on activity and steady progression. With ambitions of moving to 147lbs and pushing for bigger opportunities, he hopes a busy year will propel him towards the next stage of his career.
“This year is all about activity and continuing to grow,” he said. “I want at least four fights and to keep climbing.”
If everything goes to plan, Byrne has a clear target for where he wants to be in a year’s time.
“In 12 months I want to be at least 11-0, hopefully pushing on to better things.”
For now, though, all attention will hopefully be on Belfast if a replacement can be found on time, where Byrne will need to put the disappointment of O’Neill’s pull out behind him and aim to take another step forward in his promising professional journey.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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