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U.S. delay a “blessing in disguise” for Dylan Moran


Dylan Moran saw his American debut postponed earlier this month but the infectiously positive Waterford welterweight is in high spirits ahead of his delayed effort to go to 10-0.

Moran [9(5)-0] boxes on the ‘Clash of the Titans’ card this Saturday night in Dublin, as was always the plan, but could have been out in New York three weeks ago.

‘The Real Deal’, fresh from signing a major promotional deal with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, was due to feature on the Matchroom Bivol v Smith show at the Turning Stone Casino before the venue ordered much of the early undercard to be culled.

Moran took the disapointment in his stride and explained to Irish-Boxing.com how “I’m used to it.”

“When I moved to Manchester a lot of stuff fell through for me and when that happened you had to learn how to deal with it so this time was no different.”

“America fell through but I looked at the plus side – I would have lost two weeks out there and then coming home having this fight so close.”

Indeed, with Moran facing former EU champ Gyorgy Mizsei Jr over eight rounds this weekend, live on TG4, an American trip didn’t really fit into his plans for gradual progression.

Now, assuming he gets past Mizsei, he will have a tougher fight in the U.S. this summer rather than the knockover that was planned for March 9th.

Moran outlines how “maybe, it was meant to be. When it happened, we sat down and thought that maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”

“Joe DeGuardia was on the phone and he said ‘look, Dylan, it is what it is, I know you’re fighting across the Pond so touch base with me after that and we’ll be going to Atlantic City in May or June’.”

“The progression is happening nicely, there’s no rush and everything’s going to the plan.”

Moran was speaking just a few days after a bumper weekend for Irish boxing, with three major green-tinted cards on the East Coast of America

The Kilmacthomas 24-year-old can’t wait to get in on the act and he described how “this deal came around at the perfect time because the ‘Irish in America’ thing is really kicking off.

“Paddy’s Weekend was amazing – and whether I’m fighting in New York next year or not, I’m going out there for it. It’s class to watch – and to have this deal now, the future is exciting.”

“I did 18 months in England, I got a bit of a name for myself. I’ve had a great 12 months here. Now, this year, we’re hoping to take it to the States.”

“It’s a full-time job for me. Thankfully I’m in a great position where I’m able to train full-time so we are planning on 2019 being a big year. To hear from Joe DeGuardia on the phone saying that they’ve big plans, that they’ve looked at me and they like me and think I’m marketable in America, it’s great.”

This is all dependent on Moran coming through tricky Hungarian Mizsei.

While his 25(15)-25(10)-1 record is uninspiring, the Magyar has caused his share of away corner upsets. No doubt Moran’s toughest fight, on paper, to date.

“He is a nightmare to fight,” the Déise prospect laments.

“He has a negative style, it’s not the style I like to fight, I like a fight, and it looks like I’m going to have to chase this guy.”

“But, look, it’s all learning isn’t it? You can’t pick what way guys are going to fight so it’s good to deal with everything. This guy will certainly be bringing something that I haven’t dealt with before.”

“I’m up against pure experience. Yes, he’s coming off losses, but the experience this guy has, you can’t buy that. I think it’s the right fight at the right time.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

Tickets for ‘Clash of the Titans’ cost €40 (general), €60 (ringside), and €100 (VIP) and are available from the boxers involved or Ticketmaster (CLICK HERE).

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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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