Headline News

Cavan Calling – Duffy hoping Mayo knockout is part of a journey home


Owen Duffy [2(1)-0] plans to take step one toward bringing professional boxing to the Cavan for the first time with a knockout win in Mayo tomorrow night.

The light middleweight prospect is one of a number of early doors punchers to get the chance to fight on a big TV card this weekend – although his clash isn’t expected to get air time – and he hopes to use the platform to enhance his reputation.

Similar to Victor Rabei the Assassin fighter is looking to make the most of his promoters relationship with TG4 and is hopeful one of the four proposed television cards they hope to run in 2019 will play out in his home county of Cavan.

Indeed, ‘The Butcher’ has confirmed that he has already had talks with Assassin duo Kaz Evans and Conor Slater with regard to bringing big time boxing to the Lake County.

“We’ve had a few discussions about a potential show in Cavan in 2019. It was always one of my dreams. Exciting times and such an honor,” Duffy told Irish-Boxing.com. 

“I can’t remember if there was every a pro boxing show in Cavan before. Potential history making and guaranteed sell out,” he adds before suggesting the support in Cavan would equal that seen in Waterford early this year and potentially seen Mayo tomorrow. 

“Supporters back in Cavan are loud and passionate. Wow, what a scene and atmosphere that would create. Its nice to plan a head, but one step at a time. Kaz and Conor have great plans set out for me in 2019. All going to plan, no injuries, it’s going to be a very exciting 2019 for TheBlackIrish.”

While there is a preliminary plan in place, Duffy has to maintain his end of the bargain and keep winning.

He has a job to do against Ivan Duvancic [5(3)-25(10)-1] on the undercard of Ray Moylette’s WBC lightweight ranking title bout and is confident of victory.

The ticket selling pro novice steps up to six rounds for the first time tomorrow, but suggests he will still have to wait to go experience rounds five and six in a ring.

“He changes stance, boxes on the back foot mostly. It should be an interesting fight to watch. I am looking forward to it,” he adds before uncharacteristically making a bold prediction.  

“It won’t go past four rounds.”

While he is unlikely to get live TV the big show element might add some pressure for the Cavan native.

However, he claims his sole remit is to get the job done and hints the added spotlight adds focus rather than nerves.

“I’m delighted to see the support and coverage Ray Moylette is getting for his Homecoming show. For me, my entire focus is the fight between those ropes and coming out with the win. 

“If anything it will make it twice as easy to get into the zone for me,” he adds discussing the pressure element. 

“Every fight that’s my plan, to showcase my ability as best I can and show what I’ve learned from the likes of Barry O’Meara, Packie Collins and Tony Davitt in the gym.”

While it’s a pragmatic approach Duffy admits there is an air of excitement about fighting on such a card in just his third fight.

“No doubt I’m excited. The venue is 10/10. The card is 10/10, the show is televised and the venue is near sold out. It’s a boxer’s dream and it’s a privilege to share a card with the likes of Ray Moylette, Craig O’Brien, Niall O’Connor and Spike O’Sullivan so early on in my career.”

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

dpg

logo may

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

x