Headline News

Introducing: ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Kevin Cronin


A 6’2″ big man with skill, speed and power in both hands – if Kevin Cronin‘s sales pitch is to believed the latest addition to the Irish pro ranks could certainly prove an exciting one.

The former super heavyweight amateur has worked his way down and looks set to debut on ‘Celtic Clash 8’ at light heavy and while he believes he has the power to take people out further down the weight chart, Cronin claims he is more than just a ‘puncher’.

The Kerry fighter, who had two knockout wins en-route to Munster Champion success, is known in the amateurs as banger, but when asked what fans can expect from him, Cronin was keen to point out that he will show a lot more than raw power in the pro ranks.

“At 22 years old, standing 6’2″ at light heavyweight, carrying power in both hand with plenty speed and a good boxing knowledge, I believe have a lot going for me In the pro scene,” the Milltown man told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I have heard my name be used with the word ‘puncher’. I don’t mind that, but I wouldn’t underestimate my boxing. I have moved and out boxed some of the best of Ireland’s boxers at times and I know it will all show in the pros.”

‘The Kingdom Warrior’ looks set to showcase his abilities without the vest for the first time on the proposed Celtic Clash 8 card and can’t wait to get going.

Cronin outlined how “it’s looking likely like I will debut on Celtic Clash 8. I cannot wait go get going on my debut and hopefully stay active as I love being in the ring doing what I do best.”

Activity seems to the new pro’s first goal and the fighter who will train with Jonathan Lewins and old amateur coach Patrick O’Brien notes how he is no major rush.

Cronin plans on banking as much experience as he can before challenging for titles.

The Cashen Vale graduate explained how “my short term goal is to gain experience in the pros over my first two years or so.”

“Then, hopefully three or four years down the line, or maybe less, bring on the BUI champion whoever it will be.”

“I’d love to bring him down to Kerry and rip the belt from his waist before moving on the bigger and better things.”

“My long term goal is to get into the world ranking and do my thing by tearing it up once I get the experience I need.”

Cronin mentions Kerry as that is where he hails from. He doubles the Kingdom’s representation in the pro ranks as he joins Boxing Ireland stablemate Siobhan O’Leary on the circuit.

Indeed, expanding to Munster, the stable also features Graham McCormack from Limerick, Cork duo Thomas McCarthy and Dean O’Connell, Tipperary super middle Paddy Clavin, and Waterford lightweight Michael Duggan.

The youngster points out he has good support from home and predicts he will sell out a card in the county one day.

Cronin notes how “I was very popular around Kerry as an amateur and since I have signed over I am being stopped on the road everyday and congratulated, so of course I will bring a big sell out card to Kerry.

“However, I will only do that for a title fight or a title defence and give the Kerry people there money’s worth by taking or keeping that belt.”

A common theme among young amateurs that have recently turned over is upset with decisions and Cronin has also been left feeling aggrieved.

“I always had my eyes set on the pros for later in my career, but I was quickly getting turned off the amateur scene after a few horrible decisions.”

“They are hard to take after going through some tortuos camps. I always believed my style suited the pros better anyway and I love to box as it’s what I do best.”

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