Headline News

Dylan Moran aims to keep Waterford Homecoming dream alive with London win


If all goes to plan, starting this Saturday night, Dylan Moran [8(5)-0] could become the star of an interesting Irish welterweight scene without having to fight any of his rivals.

Granted, Belfast’s Paddy Gallagher is the main man at the weight in terms of current position, profile, experience, and wins, but there are host of relatively-new-to-the-scene operators competing at a similar level vying for domestic titles and top dog at home status.

It initially looked like fights between the likes of Keane McMahon, John Joyce, Jay Byrne, Rohan Daté and others would entertain en route to making a star name.

However, Moran has a plan in place that may see him steal his way into the spotlight and become known name to the neutral.

The undefeated 24-year-old has previously revealed there is a plan in place for a TV broadcast homecoming in 2019.

‘The Real Deal’ Moran retains this hope to return to Waterford to fight for the first time as a professional and is confident he will bring the TG4 cameras with him- meaning he could have secure a Ray Moylette or even Roy Sheahan-style profile before the year is out.

“There is a show in Waterford on the cards it’s been a dream of mine since I’m a kid. I used sell out hotels ballrooms and that kickboxing and I always said I’d bring a big night of professional boxing to the city,” Moran told Irish-Boxing.com.

“Now it’s looks like the TV cameras are coming with me too. It’s a bit surreal really. I’ve got great support here after years of fighting which I’m very grateful for and I don’t doubt they will be out in numbers showing support again when it happens.”

The ticket-seller’s management, Assassin, may not want to take any risks with their man live on TV particularly after Moylette suffered defeat last time out.

However, Moran is hopeful he will return to his hometown in a good title fight.

“Most of last year I was there and ready to go for a domestic dust-up and it didn’t happen, so we’ve got a plan in place now working towards Waterford, but who knows anything can happen in this game.”

Moran was one of a number of fighters who caught the eye in 2018 and regardless of any homecoming show looks set for a bit of a breakout 2019.

However, the Kilmacthomas man believes all roads lead home this year and points out his main focus is a big Waterford night.

Moran outlined how “the plan this year is keep learning and developing as a fighter and working towards a homecoming.”

“I’m planning on been really busy thanks to Assassin. I will be staying in the gym and putting in a good 12 months but, to be honest, Waterford is what I’m focused on now, like I said I’ve been dreaming and talking about it for years and now it’s reality.”

The opportunity is there so I’m gonna grab it with both hands.”

The Munster takes the next step along the path to home in London as early as this Saturday night [February 2nd].

Moran fights a yet to be named opponent in York Hall and is not only happy to be out so soon in the New Year, but excited about gracing the iconic venue.

“I am really happy to be back in action so early in the New Year. Assassin promised me and early date so I stayed in the gym and they delivered,” he adds.

“I have no opponent yet, we will know soon enough. I’m not bothered about who it is I’m just looking forward to getting back in there and getting the ball rolling again.”

“I am also looking forward to fighting in York Hall. It’s famous for boxing and I’ve watched lots of fights there over the years. I always said I’d love to fight there and now is my chance.”

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