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Conrad Cummings makes decision on boxing future


Conrad Cummings [16(7)-3(0)-1] has vowed to fight on and is promising a return to his best – but notes that changes will be made.

There was radio silence from Tyrone middleweight since late March and following his second defeat to Luke Keeler in a WBO European ranking title fight.

There were some suggesting that, so-one sided was win for the Dubliner, that Cummings, who was widely tipped to reach the top when he turned over, may hang up his gloves.

Speaking after a courageous but punishing 10-round rematch reverse, close friend and gym mate under both Shane McGuigan and now Jamie Moore, Carl Frampton, felt the Coalisland native had a decision to make.

Speaking in his Sunday Life column ‘The Jackal’ said, “I found it very hard to watch Conrad losing to Keeler again in the manner that he did and it was even harder in the dressing room afterwards when he was naturally very down.”

“I could see his hurt and frustration and now he has to go away and have a long, hard think about what he does from here.”

“It’s not for me to make the decision for him in regard to whether he carries on or not – that’s up to him and his family to have a good chat and advise Conrad what is best for the rest of his life.”

“One thing is sure, I don’t want to have to see him take another beating like that.”

Such talk. plus very little coming from camp Cummings lead some to suggest that, even at just 27, the middleweight may call it a day.

Others noted the Tyrone boxer’s age and pedigree and felt that there are still plenty of good domestic fights for Cummings.

‘Mr Dynamite’ has now clarified that he will fight on and claims that, with some changes, he will be back to his very best.

Cummings said that “I’ve had so many positive messages over this last few weeks, very uplifting thank you all.

“The support I have is phenomenal and at 27 there is plenty more in the tank, 
few changes and I’ll back to my very best soon.

“The story continues.”

There certainly is time for another few chapters to the Cummings tale.  The entertaining box-fighter has domestic options such as a rematch with Alfredo Meli or a clash with amateur rival Chris Blaney – and has a big profile, beyond that of most fighters in his position. 

There is also a sense that he could be just one or two changes away from reproducing some of his sensational World Series of Boxing form or finding a way to bring sparring form, which by all accounts was good enough to give Billy Joe Saunders and Andy Lee all manner of problems, into competitive pro action.

However, it is unclear what these changes are – whether they be minor tweaks in preparation and approach or something more wholesale such as departing from Moore.

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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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