By Elliot Foster

Stephen Ormond has made the decision to continue his professional boxing career.

The Dublin lightweight, who failed to meet the nine-stone nine-pound limit for his IBF title eliminator against Alejandro Luna in Philadelphia, will return soon.

But Ormond will come back with a renewed impetus after adding to his team.

He has signed a managerial contract with MGM after positive talks and will remain under the tutelage of Paschal Collins at the Celtic Warriors’ Gym.

“I’m looking forward to this move,” Ormond, who has fought current WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan and his former challenger Derry Mathews over the course of a 23-fight career to date (21-2, 11 KOs), said.

“I know MGM can get me busy and land me the big fights I have been chasing.

“It’s going to be exciting times ahead.”

Ormond’s latest career move is one that the MGM management team are delighted with. They’re happy to have captured the 33-year-old, whose next fight date will be revealed in the next few days.

“We are extremely pleased to have struck a deal with Stephen,” they said.

“We have had dealings with Stephen before when he boxed on some of our promotions and he was a pleasure to deal with.

“We believe Stephen will win a world title and it is our job to deliver that for him. As Stephen has said, there are exciting times ahead and we can’t wait for him to bring a World title back to Ireland.”

Ormond marks the third Irish addition to the MGM stable in the past week, following the signings of Tipperary heavyweight Con Sheehan and Dublin cruiserwight Ian Tims, who will make his comeback on October 8 at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.