Clan O'Connor Cheers Their Hero to Victory

Fighting in the main event of a six-fight Boston vs. New York card at the Boston House of Blues before 2500 delirious fans, and with a  rock star in his corner, super lightweight boxing prospect Danny O'Connor knew he had to deliver in a big way. Mission accomplished. Showing vast improvements from working with acclaimed trainer Ronnie Shields, O'Connor, now 17-1, 5 KOs, dominated opponent Daniel Sostre of Highland, New York, forcing him to retire on his stool after four rounds. It was the perfect ending to a spectacular event, engineered heavily by The Dropkick Murphys founder and bassist Ken Casey, who also worked O'Connor's corner. The Boston House of Blues sits across from the legendary Fenway Park, and the sold-out crowd (supporters of O'Connor are known as 'Clan O'Connor') included several area sports heroes. The Old Brigade, the Dropkick Murphys customary opening band, performed traditional Irish songs between fights and The Dropkicks themselves took to the stage shortly before O'Connor made his entrance accompanied by bagpipes and a drummer. The unique production created a festive air that brought back memories of boxing's glory days. "I felt amazing," said O'Connor, post-fight. "To be able to do what I'm passionate about, and what I train so hard every single day to do, and be able to perform in front of all my friends and family was an amazing feeling. It was a dream come true." O'Connor says the homerun success of the show goes a long toward the goal of bringing the sport of boxing back to prominence in Boston. "I can't thank Ken Casey enough. He honestly is a godsend to me and I'm blessed to have met him. None of this would have been possible without him." Of his performance, O'Connor credits his work in Houston with the well-respected Shields. "Anyone who knows Ronnie knows he's a legend and it's a different level of training working with him. I'm learning and bettering myself as a fighter every second just being around him. He's great not only as a coach but as a person as well."