Glen Byrne Shifts Focus to Charlie Lopez Ahead of 3Arena Clash

Glen Byrne has definitively moved on from a potential boxing match with James Freeman, stating that he will no longer pursue the fight. The Dubliner, who is preparing for a rematch against Charlie Lopez, expressed his frustration with the stalled negotiations and is now fully focused on the upcoming bout at the 3Arena in Dublin on September 5, 2023.

Byrne’s comments come after a series of discussions that captured fan interest but ultimately led to disappointment. The rivalry with Freeman gained traction earlier this year, particularly after Freeman’s remarks following a fight at the Ulster Hall in January. Although talks began and both fighters showed interest, Byrne claims that Freeman’s lack of commitment derailed the potential matchup.

“I’m done with Freeman,” Byrne told Irish-Boxing.com. “He just wasted a lot of time, and it’s not happening. Lopez is the fight that matters—a good, entertaining first meeting and a real shot at the Celtic title. Winning this pushes us forward.”

In April, Byrne and Lopez fought to a thrilling draw, which has only intensified their rivalry. Byrne believes that the first fight did not reflect his true capabilities. “I felt like I let myself down in the first fight. I sat on the ropes too much and gave him the appearance of being busier. That won’t happen in the rematch. I’ve corrected the mistakes and I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been,” he stated.

The initial excitement surrounding a fight with Freeman arose when he initially called for the matchup. Byrne recalls that when he accepted the challenge, negotiations seemed promising. However, several planned events fell through, including a scheduled fight in Galway. Byrne noted, “He finally agreed for Galway, happy days, but Galway fell through. I got the slot on Mark Dunlop’s show, but it wasn’t happening there either for some reason.”

The situation took a turn when Freeman expressed a desire for a neutral venue, which Byrne found perplexing. “Don’t ask me why—it was a massive show, Michael Conlan bringing 90% of the crowd, a big percentage from Belfast. So I don’t get the whole ‘neutral venue’ thing. If he can offer me a fight in Belfast on a promotion up there, I’d jump at it. It doesn’t make a difference to me where it is or who’s running the show.”

With the Freeman fight now firmly in the rearview mirror, Byrne’s attention is entirely on his rematch with Lopez, where the BUI Celtic super welterweight title will be at stake. He is determined to secure a victory and move forward in his career, with aspirations of potentially dropping to welterweight in the future.

“I have tunnel vision on September 5th. Nothing matters beyond winning that fight. I’m putting in every bit of work—I’ll win at all costs,” Byrne asserted.

As the fight date approaches, the anticipation continues to build. Byrne’s commitment to the upcoming match against Lopez reflects his desire not only to prove himself but to capture the Celtic title. The rematch promises to be an exciting event for fans at the 3Arena and beyond.