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“Assassin are killing me!” – teen puncher James Power can’t wait to fight at home


Like most 17-year-olds, James Power is counting down the days till he turns 18 – but not so he can stroll into a bar and order a pint without worry.

Ireland’s youngest professional boxer can not fight in Ireland until he is 18 in accordance with BUI rules and is excited by the prospect of fighting for the first time in front of his home fans following his birthday in April and exams this June.

Indeed, the Coachford College Leaving Cert student’s desire to be eligible to fight in Ireland has been increased by the fact his advisors Assassin Boxing have a strong working relationship with TG4 and are providing a TV platform for their fighters.

‘Clash of the Titans’, a co-promotion with Boxing Ireland, was announced last week for March 30th on the terrestrial channel and the Cork youngster admits he is watching on enviously as his fellow Irish fighters secure TV slots.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting at home. The Irish have supported me so much since I’ve turned pro and I can’t explain how grateful I am for that.  I can’t wait to finally fight in front of them all,” Power told Irish-boxing.com.

“Assassin Boxing are killing it at the minute too, they’ve partnered with TG4 to put the fights on TV. It’s an exciting time for every Irish boxer and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Power was talking after recording his third straight knockout victory. The teen prospect, who has twice won in Mexico, went to Hungary alongside Declan Geraghty and Robbie Burke and stopped Gabor Gavaller in a round. 

Not many within the Irish boxing circle knew about the bout until pictures of the weigh in were posted online – and Power admits he didn’t know about it himself until just days before, with advisor Andy O’Neill securing the opportunity via his links with Hungarian fight boss Zoltan Petranyi

“I didn’t plan on having a fight in Hungary. But I came home after training and I got a call to say that there was an opponent available if I wanted to go over. Andy O’Neill and Assassin Boxing helped me organise everything on a days’ notice.

“It was really a spur of the moment sort of thing, but I’ve never refused a fight before, so why start now?”

It was seen as the perfect opportunity for the Dripsey lightweight to bank some more rounds and experience, but despite hoping to get past the second round for the first time in his young career, Power couldn’t resist pushing for the stoppage when the chance arose.

“I’m young so I’m just trying to get as much experience as I can at the moment. That’s my main focus. I felt a lot more comfortable in there this time and I can’t wait for the next one.”

“I’m happy that we got the win. The plan was to take my time, get a few rounds in and see where things went, but one thing led to another and I took another one out early,” adds the Declan Geraghty Sr-trained puncher before paying homage to the two Irish fighters who fought alongside him on the card. 

“Seeing Declan Geraghty back inside those ropes was great. He’s in top form once again and I’m looking forward to seeing him in big fights over the next year. Also, Robert Burke made a fantastic debut and won by a second round stoppage. Fighting alongside Irish fighters made the whole experience unreal. “

With the Leaving Cert fast approaching – indeed Power has just completed his ‘Pres’ or ‘Mock’ examinations – the secondary school student may be forgiven for taking a break for a few months but he is leaving the door open to one more trip away before an Irish debut.

“We’ll have to wait and see… I kind of like Mexico,” he teases when it’s suggested that study may overtake fighting for now.

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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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