Boxing Match Preview: Pierce O’Leary (18-0-0, 10 KOs) vs. Maxi Hughes (29-8-2, 6 KOs)
The upcoming Queensberry Promotions card, headlined by Jazza Dickens vs. Anthony Cacace for the IBO junior lightweight title, features a co-main event for the vacant IBO World Super Lightweight (140 lbs / junior welterweight) title between undefeated Irish prospect Pierce O’Leary and veteran English southpaw Maxi Hughes. This 12-round bout is scheduled at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. The iconic venue, located on North Wall Quay, hosts major boxing events with a capacity of around 13,000 for fights, promising a raucous homecoming atmosphere for the local favorite O’Leary. The undercard begins around 3:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM GMT, with the main broadcast on DAZN starting at approximately 2:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM GMT (UK time), and ringwalks for O’Leary vs. Hughes expected near 10:00 PM GMT / 5:00 PM ET.
Injury Report
- Pierce O’Leary: No reported injuries. O’Leary has been in consistent training camps without setbacks, appearing healthy after his European title-winning performance in 2025.
- Maxi Hughes: No current injuries noted. Hughes stepped in on short notice (two weeks) after original opponent Mark Chamberlain withdrew due to an infection that required hospitalization. Hughes has no reported issues from his December 2025 loss and is cleared to compete, moving up a weight class.
Fighter Matchups and Breakdown
This super lightweight title fight contrasts O’Leary’s youthful power and pressure with Hughes’ veteran craftiness and southpaw boxing IQ. O’Leary (26) brings an explosive orthodox style, high-volume pressure, and knockout power (55% KO rate), backed by a stellar amateur pedigree. Hughes (36), a former lightweight contender, relies on slick movement, counterpunching, and durability (low KO loss rate), though his power is limited (21% KO rate). O’Leary holds advantages in youth, power, and home crowd energy, while Hughes’ experience (40 pro bouts) and southpaw stance could frustrate if he boxes on the back foot over 12 rounds.
| Fighter | Age | Record | Height/Reach (approx.) | Stance | Fight Style Highlights |
| Pierce O’Leary | 26 | 18-0-0 (10 KOs) | 5’8″ / ~70″ | Orthodox | Undefeated pressure fighter with power (55% KO rate); strong amateur background (9x Irish champ); excels in high-output exchanges; durable and improving technically. |
| Maxi Hughes | 36 | 29-8-2 (6 KOs) | ~5’9″ / average | Southpaw | Experienced boxer-puncher; slick defense and counters; tough chin (few stoppage losses); limited power but high decision wins; tested vs. elite like Zepeda. |
Recent Form
- Pierce O’Leary: O’Leary is flawless, building momentum with title-winning performances. He’s 5-0 in his last five, mixing KOs and decisions against solid opposition.
Recent Fights:
- Jun 7, 2025: Win vs. Liam Dillon (Unanimous Decision, 12 rounds) – Captured European Super Lightweight title.
- Dec 2025: Win vs. Braian Esequiel Ronner (stoppage or decision).
- Jun 2025 or prior: Wins including UD over Darragh Foley (2024) and others maintaining streak.
- Maxi Hughes: Hughes has mixed results lately, with competitive showings but recent setbacks against top names. He’s 2-1 in his last three, showing resilience.
Recent Fights:
- Dec 12, 2025: Loss vs. Bakhodur Usmonov (Majority Decision, 10 rounds).
- May 23, 2025: Win vs. Archie Sharp (Unanimous Decision, 10 rounds) – Won vacant WBC Silver lightweight title.
- Dec 14, 2024: Win vs. Gary Cully (Unanimous Decision, 10 rounds) – Captured WBA Continental lightweight title.
Fight History
This is the first professional encounter between O’Leary and Hughes—no prior head-to-head. O’Leary’s career (debut 2019) has been a steady rise on Queensberry cards, capturing European gold. Hughes (debut 2010) has faced high-level opposition (e.g., Zepeda, Cully) and holds wins over Irish fighters like Jono Carroll and Gary Cully, adding “revenge mission” narrative for O’Leary and Irish fans.
FIGHT ODDS
Pierce O’Leary – 275
Maxi Hughes + 225
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026
