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Belfast amateur star Dalton to turn pro

Decorated Belfast amateur Ruairi Dalton is to turn professional.

‘The Rook’ competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games where he lost out to eventual flyweight gold medalist Andrew Moloney of Australia in the quarter finals. In the paid game Dalton will trade leather in the super bantamweight division.

The St James’s man will be trained by legendary Belfast cornerman John Breen who currently handles lightweight prospect Feargal McCrory and Celtic welterweight champ Paddy Gallagher.

Dalton has represented Ireland at all age groups, has won two Ulster senior titles, and holds a win over current professional star Jamie Conlan.

The 26 year old has beeen seeking to turn pro for an extended period of time, and told irish-boxing.com that ” if you keep knocking on the door, someone is going to answer it.”

Dalton describes himself as “what you would call a box-fighter.”

“I can box and fight, but I’m best when I’m on the back foot.”

The popular West Belfast man’s plans for the professional game are refreshingly honest, with Dalton describing how “My aspiration in boxing would be to get out healthy, and if I could make enough to be comfortable I would be delighted with that.”

“With a bit of luck I will be remembered as a man’s man who never ducked a fight!.”

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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