Introducing: Conor Doherty
It wasn’t quite as dramatic as Clubber Lang’s Rocky III ‘pain’ prediction but Conor Doherty is adamant he will hurt opponents in the pro game.
The West Belfast fighter, who hopes to eventually fight at light middleweight, has confidence in his power and seems excited at the prospect of displaying it in the pro ranks.
The Boxing Ireland fighter claims he has been knocking people out since he was 12 years of age and doesn’t see any reason to stop now.
“I have a lot of power in my hands and I like to throw the bombs. Hopefully the fans will enjoy that,” he told Irish-Boxing.com.
“Everyone wants to see a good scrap and see a boxer with power. Fans like to see people getting hurt and I like to hurt people. I have been knocking boys out since I was 12 or 13 so why stop now? I have grown up knocking people out and that was with the big gloves and head-guards.”
Doherty recently linked up with the Dublin-based Boxing Ireland Promotions and will debut on the July 7th inaugural JB Promotions show at the National Stadium. Fighting in Belfast, however, is his long-term aim and his acquisition, alongside Antrim cruiser Conor Cooke, would suggest that the ‘Celtic Clash’ series may be heading North soon.
The hurt game enthusiast turns over at 24 meaning he has time to make a serious impact on the domestic scene and potentially beyond but Doherty does feel he should have ditched the vest a lot sooner.
“I really just can’t wait to get in the ring and let the hands go. I am 24 now I have wanted to turn professional for a long time.”
“I should have done it when I was 18. I just made that mistake of holding it off because I was tempted by Irish championships and international competitions, but I should have went for it.”
“I have the style, the power and the skill, but I kept holding off. Look, 24 is still young and I am here now. I can still make a statement.”
The Paul Hyland Snr-trained fighter has big fight ambitions but sees 2018 as a year to get busy and learn.
“I just want to get a few fights under my belt for now. I do want the big fights and I do want to get the fans on board by entertaining, but for now it is get the debut out of the way and get a few fights.”
