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Prospect Vinny O'Brien talks to WBN ahead of pro debut tomorrow

Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor

New Jersey Golden Gloves winner fights on Judah v Mabuz undercard this Saturday

A late-comer into the fight game, New Jersey's Vinny O’Brien blossomed into a champion amateur after starting his journey in boxing at the age of twenty, culminating in his victory in April at the 2010 New Jersey Golden Gloves at light-welterweight, where he was also named "outstanding fighter of the night.

The 24 year-old now turns professional tomorrow night in a four-round contest against fellow rookie David Navarro at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, with Zab Judah topping the bill as he looks for a fourth world title against South African Kaizer Mabuza.

"Now that I am hitting the pro ranks, I have a bunch of emotions," Vinny told WBN.

"I'm excited, eager, focused and determined to go after every fight with everything I’ve got and one day make the name “Vinny O'Brien” known in every household by claiming a world title within boxing.”

After his amateur success at light-welterweight, Vinny has decided to turn pro at the welterweight limit and knows he faces some tough opponents if he wants to make his dream come true and pick up a world title belt.

”It’s a tough division but you need to fight the best to claim you’re the best right? I may experiment at a few catch weights, maybe at 145 or so, but still not sure what my ideal weight is, I would have to talk with my promoter and coach about that.”

Vinny captures NJ gold
With his pro debut just around the corner, the New Jersey sports fanatic is hoping to stay especially active in his first year in the paid ranks in order to gain the experience he will need to be a top fighter in the future and stay at the top once he gets there.

”My first goal for the year is to keep busy, I want to have anywhere from 8-12 fights and stay undefeated, without going the distance.

“I want to be rookie of the year and top prospect for 2012. If I have the chance maybe even go for an alphabet belt.

“As you can see, I have high hopes for myself and am completely prepared to put in the hard work to get where I need to be.

"I have been a fighter my whole life in one way or another and since the day I put my gloves on, I wanted to be on the big stage showing the world, not just what I can do in this sport, but also what I can do for it.

“I love every aspect of boxing and what it has to offer me, there's a reason its called "The Sweet Science," theres nothing like out-fighting your opponent and at the same time out smarting him, which I aim to do to Navarro tomorrow night."


Phil D. Jay would like to thank Vinny O'Brien for his time and wish him all the best in his career, which will surely be a successful one.
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