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Sean Higginson feeling “better than ever” following much-needed break

Sean Higginson is a reinvigorated man as he embarks on his pro journey.

The Belfast feather was left frustrated toward the end of his amateur career, but an extended period out of the ring has him feeling brand new.

Left in limbo for so long, the slick boxer secured a pro contract with Kieran Farrell and debuts on Saturday at The Devenish Complex.

With good backing, and plenty of work done at the legendary Breen’s Gym, Higginson is ready to go.

Looking back, the former St John Bosco amateur explained how “it has been 20 months since I was last in a fight.”

“Yes it has been a long time, but I honestly believe that the break I had, and the rest, was needed. I feel better than ever.”.

“The training I have put in over the last 15 weeks has been excellent and I feel fresh again.”

Had original plans come to fruition, Higginson would have debuted last weekend in Manchester, but with that show postponed he was added late to Saturday’s card in Belfast.

The Ulsterman admitted that “making my debut here makes it that bit sweeter.”

“I was buzzing when I got the date to make my debut, even though it was in Manchester. Then things changed and that card got postponed and I got offered to fight to fight here instead.”

“I jumped at it and can’t wait to get started in front of a home crowd.”

“At the minute there isn’t too much nerves just more excitement of getting back into the ring.”

“I get the same kind of nerves for every fight on the day of the fight, so I expect the same this time round. If I wasn’t nervous there would be something wrong, the nerves make more sharper and more alert on the night.”

On Saturday Higginson will start off against Jamie Quinn [2(0)-35(1)-2]. The English journeyman is a respected and durable foe, indeed he has only been stopped once. That was by another Belfast man, Anto Cacace, but Higginson is not looking to force a stoppage statement.

The former Irish Intermediate champion reasoned how that “from Jamie’s record you can see that he is very tough so I wont be going in and trying to blast him out.”

“I will just stick to what I do and not let him do what he wants. I can’t wait to get in with different guys and style of fighters I feel I can adapt to any style and I want to show that with each fight, starting on Saturday night.”

A classy boxer in the amateurs, don’t expect Higginson to go hell for leather in the pros. The 22 year old will be trained by John Breen, however it is a long-held relationship, and the Ulster Elite runner-up notes how it is more a case of adding to his game rather than changing it.

Higginson described how “I have trained with John a few years now and have always enjoyed the training down in Breens Gym.”

“But now that I am down there full time, I feel comfortable and it didn’t take me too long to settle into his ways of training.”

“I haven’t changed too much about my style – I have just added things to it and improve on the way I box. I now feel a lot stronger and smarter in the ring.”

“On Saturday night I just want to get back into the ring and enjoy my debut as I have been out of the ring for a while.”

“I just want to get settled in again. I will fight my fight and show everyone how much I have improved.”

The West Belfast bill is topped by an eight-round clash between Feargal McCrory and Jay Carney, with undercard support from Mike Perez, Sean McGlinchey, Mathew Fitzsimons, Sean Magee, Mark Morris, Gerard Healy, and Ronnie Clark.

Tickets are available from the boxers involved at the following prices:
£20 (standing)
£35 (unreserved seating)
£50 (ringside)

LISTEN: Mick Conlan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 4 of The Irish Boxing Show

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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