While the big arena nights in boxing often grab the headlines, it is the smaller shows that keep a nation’s professional scene alive.
This Friday night, July 10, JB Promotions returns to Leopardstown Racecourse with “Heating Up”, a ten-fight card that perfectly illustrates why promoter Jay Byrne has become one of the most important figures in Irish boxing. Broadcast live on Triller TV, the event blends established names with the next generation of Irish talent, providing invaluable ring time as careers continue to develop.
Byrne has steadily rebuilt the domestic circuit. His shows have become the proving ground for young professionals making their first steps in the paid ranks, while also giving more experienced fighters the chance to stay active between major assignments.
“We are a big part of Irish boxing now and I believe we are the ones who brought it back to where it is now,” Byrne told Irish Boxing Digest.
“It’s massively important to give kids a chance at turning professional and be able to do it in Ireland without having to relocate. The key is matching them right early in tough fights that they will win once they are in the shape required to be a professional boxer.”
Steve Collins Jr returns to the ring at light heavyweight, while reigning Irish champions Paul Ryan and Daniel O’Sullivan both feature in separate six-round contests to remain sharp ahead of bigger opportunities.
Ryan’s appearance comes just weeks before a huge assignment on the September 5 Croke Park card headlined by Katie Taylor, making Friday’s outing a vital part of his preparations for Belfast’s Paddy Gallagher. O’Sullivan, the reigning Irish light-middleweight champion, also returns to action against a Polish opponent as he looks to regain momentum after a setback in England in May.
One prospect to watch out for is Karl Sheridan. Regarded as one of Ireland’s most exciting new professionals, Sheridan will be determined to get back to winning ways and remind everyone of the ability that got him signed to JB Promotions in the first place. A convincing performance will put him right back on track.
The card also features exciting young puncher Sean Tyndall, who makes his third professional appearance. Tyndall has already shown flashes of explosive power, and another impressive display would further strengthen his growing reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting prospects.
Elsewhere, Zara Breslin, David Kennedy, Sarah Murphy, Aaron O’Donoghue and Kelsey Leonard all continue their professional journeys, underlining the depth of talent emerging through the Irish ranks.
For Byrne, however, these events are about far more than simply putting on fights.
“Friday will be another typical JB Promotions build-up show,” he said.
“These shows are massively important to get us prepared for the bigger events and have the guys active and their careers moving with consistency. A night’s entertainment for the fans is key.”
The growing influence of JB Promotions was highlighted last week when promoter Eddie Hearn publicly praised Byrne’s work—recognition that did not go unnoticed.
“I wasn’t expecting it and I was quite shocked because, in my opinion, Eddie is the head of boxing in the world,” Byrne admitted.
“I think his work ethic and drive are next to none, and for him to recognise the work I am doing meant a lot. Hearing that makes me want to drive forward even more.”
Receiving recognition from one of boxing’s biggest promoters is another sign that the work being done on the Irish domestic scene is attracting attention beyond these shores.
While major stadium shows may dominate the spotlight, Friday night’s event serves as another reminder that the future of Irish professional boxing is built in venues like Leopardstown. Every prospect needs experience and every career needs opportunities.
Right now, few are creating those opportunities more consistently than JB Promotions.
As Irish boxing continues to enjoy renewed momentum as seen with Katie Taylor in Croke Park, Pierce O’Leary selling out the 3 Arena and Zuffa coming to Dublin all in the next few weeks, shows like Heating Up remain the engine room of the sport—developing prospects, keeping champions active and ensuring the next generation has a platform to shine.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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