TJ Doheny gunning for Oguni but isn’t looking past weekend opponent
TJ Doheny [16(12)-0] has a World title eliminator in his sights, but first has to win in Sydney tomorrow night.
At first glance the World ranked Portlaoise native’s Punchbowl-hosted clash this weekend looks like a oiling the ring rust exercise.
The 30 year old Murphys Boxing power puncher hasn’t fought since October of last year and took some time out for the birth of his first son.
However, the fighter, who holds an amateur win over Carl Frampton, claims he is approaching Friday’s Australian homecoming against durable Indonesianan Espinos Sabu [16(9)-12(2)-2] seriously as he would any other bout.
“Its good to be getting the ball rolling again I’m really looking forward to Friday night,” Doheny told Irish-Boxing.com.
“No fight is a ring rust freeing [exercise] in my opinion I approach every fight with the same attitude. This guys record doesn’t reflect how good he is and he is very durable.”
“In saying that I am very confident of getting the win. I will be at my best and nobody can come near me when I perform to the best of my ability.”
Doheny has had a World ranking since his just his sixth fight thanks to a PABA title win and has been plotting a World title shot for the last two years.
It now looks like he will at the very least get the chance to earn mandatory status for current IBF champion Yukinori Oguni.
“As far as I know Oguni is injured so we have to see how it all plays out with his first defence. Either way I am in prime position for an eliminator and I’m ready to beat any of those guys in the IBF rankings to get my mandatory position,” he added before reflecting on fighting back in his home away from home.
“It’s always great to fight in Sydney I have a lot of friends and supporters and sponsors here so it’s good to put on a show for them once again.”
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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey speak to Jason Quigley on Episode 5 of The Irish Boxing Show: