Headline News

The Road to Cavan – Owen Duffy looking to build towards homecoming


Next stop on the ‘The Road to the Cavan Homecoming’ for Owen Duffy is London.

After what he calls the ‘dream end’ to 2018, the Shercock light middle wants to put his foot on the peddle and accelerate toward to a hometown title fight in 2019.

Duffy is seen by Assassin Promotions as a possible bill topper for a dinner show in his native county and wants to progress towards that.

The southpaw sees his clash on March 9th at the Woodside Leisure Centre as another step along what he believes will be a journey home. 

“I’ll take every bus stop as it comes. First stop London! Once I get no flat tyres on the journey or injuries, I’ll make the final destination, Cavan. I will be introducing the BUI Irish title to the county and I plan on keeping it there,” he explained creatively to Irish-Boxing.com.

One notable step Duffy makes early March is the move to six rounds. With three four-round wins in the bag, ‘The Butcher’ will fight over an extra six minutes in his next bout and isn’t concerned about the increase.

“I train and take sparring intensity to the top level every time. I prepare myself for no surprises and, regardless of the intensity of the upcoming fight, I’ll be more than ready to adapt to do what it takes to come out with the win.”

“With fitness freaks like [gym mates and sparring partners] John Joyce, Daniel O’Sullivan, Niall O’Connor and Craig O’Brien you wont come across much fitter opponents inside those ropes. I’m looking forward to a step up challenge.”

The usual narrative behind a fight abroad at this stage is get away and give your fanbase a break from having to buy tickets.

However, Duffy explains he hasn’t seen any dip in interest. His loyal following is increasing and it seems are willing to travel.

“Strangely enough, as a pro boxer starting off, one of the tips I was given was to expect ticket sales to drop after your debut. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to bring a good crowd to every fight so far and it’s looking like its not taking any hits just yet.”

“March 9th is looking like one of my best nights support wise. I’m extremely lucky. It takes so much pressure off prepping towards a fight,” he adds before admitting it’s great to have a date assigned so early in the year.

“I’m delighted. Last year I had a long spell where i didn’t have a fight in seven months. Unfortunately these things happen in the pro game. Signing with Kaz [Evans] and Conor [Slater] from Assassins Promotions, they’ve looked after me so well so far, given an opportunity to box on a sold out Ray Moylette Homecoming show to finish of a dream debut year.”

“Their plans for me this year is three fights within seven months in 2019. All going well, staying injury-free, it will be a exciting year for the ‘Black Irish’.”

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