Loonam and Farrell collide for the vacant Irish super-bantamweight title as JB Promotions returns to the National Stadium.
Preview
Boxing returns to Dublin’s National Stadium next Saturday, September 26th, as JB Promotions once again puts the spotlight on the best of Ireland’s domestic talent.
Irish boxing fans have enjoyed a memorable 2026 so far, with Queensberry and Zuffa both bringing world-class action to the capital, while Katie Taylor’s historic retirement night at Croke Park just two weekends ago provided another unforgettable chapter.
But away from the major events and global names, it is shows like this that continue to keep the domestic scene thriving. Jay Byrne and his JB Promotions team have become a regular presence on the Irish boxing calendar, providing a platform for emerging fighters to build their records, win titles and, ultimately, push towards bigger opportunities.
The pathway is already evident in the career of Paul Ryan. Having topped bills at the National Stadium and Leopardstown Racecourse, Ryan has now progressed to the biggest stage of his career, featuring on the huge Croke Park event live on DAZN.
The message from JB Promotions is clear: perform on these shows and opportunities can follow.
The latest bill is headlined by an intriguing contest for the vacant Irish super-bantamweight title, as unbeaten Offaly man Paul Loonam takes on former champion Ruadhan Farrell of Belfast.
Two further eight-round domestic contests see Edward Donovan face Peter Carr and Bayo Alabi meet Connor Kerr, while the undercard features a mixture of debutants, returning fighters and a rematch as Karl Sheridan looks to avenge his previous defeat to Jorge Huerta Balleza.
Here is our look at the four key contests on the bill, along with our predictions.
Paul Loonam vs Ruadhan Farrell
The vacant Irish super-bantamweight title is on the line in the main event as unbeaten Offaly prospect Paul Loonam takes on former champion Ruadhan Farrell.
Loonam enters the contest with an unblemished record and growing momentum, having claimed the Celtic title last year with a solid eight-round victory over Myles Casey. However, Farrell represents another significant step up in opposition.
The Belfast man brings considerably more experience to the contest. Farrell has already completed ten rounds in his victory over Connor Kerr to claim the Irish title and has gone the eight-round distance on three further occasions.
He lost his title in a hard-fought battle with Matthew Boreland, and all that experience could prove crucial when the two men share the ring on Saturday night.
Loonam possesses the skill and movement to make life difficult for Farrell, but the former champion has been tested at this level before and knows what is required over the longer distance.
We expect Farrell’s experience to tell in the championship rounds, with the Belfast man coming on strong late to claim a points victory and become a two-time Irish super-bantamweight champion.
Prediction: Ruadhan Farrell by points
Edward Donovan vs Peter Carr
While it may not carry the headline billing, Edward Donovan vs Peter Carr has all the ingredients to steal the show.
Carr comes into the contest following his memorable battle with Paul Ryan, a fight that had all the ingredients of an Irish fight-of-the-year contender. Although Carr came up short in his bid for the Irish title, he earned plenty of respect for the performance and the manner in which he left everything in the ring.
Interestingly, Donovan also shares a recent opponent with Carr, having faced Ryan in his own return from a lengthy layoff. Donovan was beaten by Ryan over eight rounds, but the experience should serve him well heading into Saturday’s contest.
Carr is guaranteed to bring intensity and pressure, and few would question his willingness to leave everything in the ring once again.
However, Donovan has the opportunity to make a statement of his own. If he can deal with Carr’s pressure and impose his own skills, a victory could put him firmly into the Irish title picture.
We expect Donovan to take advantage of the opportunity and produce the biggest performance of his career to date.
Prediction: Edward Donovan by late stoppage
Bayo Alabi vs Connor Kerr
Another eight-round domestic contest sees Bayo Alabi take on experienced campaigner Connor Kerr.
Kerr has been in with some of the best domestic opposition available and his experience should allow him to make life difficult for Alabi during the opening rounds.
However, Alabi has the opportunity to showcase his class over eight rounds and establish himself as a genuine contender in the Irish title picture.
We expect Kerr to have his moments early, but Alabi’s quality should begin to tell as the fight progresses. If he can maintain his composure and control the tempo, he should have enough to take a clear decision.
A victory would strengthen Alabi’s case for a shot at the vacant Irish title and potentially put him next in line for more championship honours.
Prediction: Bayo Alabi by points
Karl Sheridan vs Jorge Huerta Balleza
Perhaps the most compelling contest outside the main events is the rematch between Karl Sheridan and Jorge Huerta Balleza.
Huerta Balleza stunned Sheridan and the home crowd when he claimed a four-round decision over the JB Promotions fighter back in May.
Sheridan wasted little time putting the setback behind him, returning to the ring in July to get back to winning ways.
Now he has the opportunity to settle the score.
The first meeting may have ended in disappointment for Sheridan, but Saturday provides him with the chance to demonstrate why JB Promotions invested in him in the first place.
We expect a more disciplined and composed performance from Sheridan this time around, with the Irishman looking to leave no doubt on the scorecards.
Prediction: Karl Sheridan by 40-36
The Rest of the Card
The remainder of the bill features John Boyd, Marcus Sutherland, Hijjah McMahon, Kevin Cronin, Darragh Brady, Sean Tyndall and Kian Hedderman, with the JB Promotions stable looking to make the most of their opportunity on home soil.
Final Word
The major events will always attract the biggest headlines, but the strength of Irish boxing continues to be built at shows like this.
For Loonam and Farrell, the reward is an Irish title and a chance to move their careers forward. For Donovan, Alabi and Sheridan, Saturday represents an opportunity to make a statement and put themselves in the frame for bigger fights.
One thing that’s certain is that the fans are in for a great nights entertainment and will get their moneys worth.
The National Stadium awaits.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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