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Big Fight or Retire – Declan Geraghty outlines 2019 plan after comeback win in Hungary


“Forgotten man” Declan Geraghty claims he will retire at just 28 if he doesn’t secure something big by the end of 2019.

‘Pretty Boy’ returned to the ring for the first time since his June rematch defeat to Jono Carroll in Hungary over the weekend.

The Dubliner registered a routine points win over Gabor Kovacs and got back on the bike after a few months spent enjoying time away from boxing.

Now back to winning ways, super featherweight Geraghty [18(4)-3(2)] is not just determined to have a big year, he claims big fights and wins are now a must.

Indeed, if he doesn’t secure a world ranking or a shot at the EBU European title the slick southpaw told Irish-Boxing.com he will call it a day.

It’s bold from the EU silver medallist but, having being earmarked for stardom early on and having to watch the two men to defeat him, James Tennyson and Jono Carroll, secure world title shots, Geraghty is desperate for some time in the spotlight.

Not just for reasons of fame, the Dub believes he has the talent to compete with the best of the best and wants to ensure he makes the most of his skills.

“I feel like I am the forgotten man. There was a lot hype around me at the start of my career, people were hoping I’d be the next big thing from Dublin,” said Geraghty.

“I’ll tell you now, this is my last year if things don’t go right. It’s time to remind people what I am about.”

“Honestly, it’s my last year, even if I go four fights unbeaten and have no big fight at the end of it. If I don’t get something big by the end year I am packing it in.”

“Honestly. I want a European title or a spot in the top 10 by the end of the year,” added the fighter who is being continually linked with IBO International champion Marco McCullough.

Speaking about his weekend in Hungary, where he won in Eger alongside James Power and Robbie Burke, Geraghty added that “it was a great experience to be out there.”

“It was my first time in Hungary. It was nice to get the win after being out for so long since my last fight.”

“I hurt him a few times but I didn’t really want to take him out because I wanted to get all four rounds under my belt with it being my first fight for a while.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
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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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