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‘Don’t Blink’ Kevin Cronin forewarns fans ahead of ‘new Kerry era’


Kevin Cronin has told the crowd of people that will gather in his local to watch his pro debut against going to the bar once the first bell goes this Saturday.

The 22-year-old doesn’t want to give too much away ahead of his Clash of the Titan’s clash with Mateusz Lisiak, but the former super heavyweight amateur turned light heavyweight pro has warned his fans against blinking once he enters the rings.

The Kerry fighter with a reputation as a puncher won’t predict anything outside entertainment, but has hinted at a crowd pleasing quick KO and plans to do his part in a new era for Kerry boxing.

“I won’t tell you what to expect but I believe you will enjoy what you see. Just don’t blink,” the new to the game pro all but winks. when speaking to Irish-Boxing.com.

“The Kerry crowd will rock up do some damage and roll outta that place head high. Its a new era for Kerry Boxing and myself and Siobhan O Leary also are gonna bring it places.”

If suggestions are to be believed there will be a lot of eye-balls forewarned and now fearing blinking when Cronin fights come Saturday.

The graduate of the Cashen Vale club in Ballybunion sold out his ticket allocation in double quick time and is set to bring a large and vocal crowd from Kerry.

His local pub are making a showcase of the event and airing his fight via the TG4 YouTube feed and the Boxing Ireland fighter claims the support he has got from the whole county has been immense.

“Tickets went very well I sold out my tickets within the first week, which I’m not really surprised with, I have always had a good following. Each fight now I’m looking to build that fan base bit by bit .

“There’s a savage buzz down here now , not just in my house but in my local area and around the county. I’m getting a lot of publicity from local media and I am meeting people from all parts of Kerry who are excited to tune into Sport TG4 Live on YouTube to see me do my thing. It’s also great to have a local pub, Griffin’s Bar Castlemaine, showing the fight live on their television , so ya a great reaction down here.”

While Cronin did expect the support and is grateful for the reaction he is aware he can’t get carried away in the hype.

The fighter who has trained with old amateur coach Patrick O’Brien and the Dublin-based Jonathan Lewins knows he has to stay focused on himself and winning the fight.

“I’m very excited can’t wait yo get in there, but I will be trying to not let the excitement get the better of me. I’m smart in the ring. I know I have to stay relaxed and grounded.”

Cronin faces a little know foe on the Clash of the Titans card. The Pole has had just one fight, a points reverse, meaning there is not too much homework can be done on him.

However, that doesn’t bother the Kerry native as he has been keen to focus on himself and adapting to a pro way of working ahead of his debut.

“The first camp went well, thankfully. It ran smooth and Injury free. It’s been exciting working on a new way of boxing, grounding myself more, getting used to using my range, power and movement. This new style is definitely suiting me .

“I haven’t been thinking too much on my opponent to be honest. With it being my first fight I have enough pressure without adding more unnecessary pressure on. I know all I need to know on him like he’s orthodox , a strong solid guy with good movement.

“It’s nothing that phases me. I’ve shared the ring with top quality amateurs and had a good first camp with Jono whose style of training and boxing really suits me. So I predict that I’ll stay smart apply the pressure and break him down.”

“I won’t say too much on the game plan but, as I said. don’t blink. The Kerry crowd ain’t here to mess around.”

Tickets for ‘Clash of the Titans’ cost €40 (general), €60 (ringside), and €100 (VIP) and are available from the boxers involved or Ticketmaster (CLICK HERE).

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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