Byrne signs with Warren
10 March 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Irish prospect Dean Byrne has finally traded boxing limbo for heaven after signing with British promoter Frank Warren.
Byrne, who comes heavily endorsed by the greatest boxing trainer in the world, Freddie Roach, has seen his career stall of late, but believes he is back on the path to glory after agreeing terms with the promoter with 30 years experience. It initially seemed the former Wild Card pugilists career was in trouble at the turn of the year until a serious intervention by Funtime Frankie Gavin. The Irish champion and soon be British title challenger recommended Byrne to Warren after being impressed during a sparring session in Arnies Gym in Manchester.
And now having teamed up with the promoter, who has served fellow Irish prospect Stephen Ormond well over the last 12 months, Irish Lightening Byrne is planning to strike at the very top. The former Crumlin amateur, who Roach tipped to become a world champion, believes Warren can provide him with a platform worthy of his talents, and is planning to strap the Irish and a WBO intercontinental belts around his waist over the next 12 months.
Speaking to www.irish-boxing.com, Byrne (14-0) claimed Warrens past achievements are proof he is now on back on course for a bright future.
I think Frank Warren will get me where I need and deserve to be,” he said. “You just have to look at what he has achieved in the past to know why I signed with him. He has worked with some top, top fighters. Frank has helped develop the careers of Prince Naz, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan. Irish Lightning needs to be in the limelight too and I can get there with his help. We have already talked about getting an Irish title and a WBO Inter continental title by the end of 2011, Byrne added.
There were reports the Manchester based pro was going to fight undefeated puncher Ricky Godding and make his Warren debut as early as next week, but its seems team Godding(12-0) were not to keen on facing an Irish test on Patricks weekend.
However at the very least Byrnes willingness to take such a challenging fight at such short notice is a signal of intent.
There was talk of me fighting Ricky Godding on March 19 on the Liam Walsh undercard, but it seems they dont want to fight me. I took the fight at short notice and was willing to fight at welter, but they didnt want it. That kids unbeaten record would have went. It was late notice but training with Arnie has been going great. I am ready to fight now, but I think my debut will be postponed and I will fight on a big show later in the year.