“European Title Next”: Kevin Cronin’s Continental NOISE Plan

Kevin Cronin doubled down on European title talk after registering a thirteenth career win in the National Stadium.

After six rounds with the always tough and entertaining Bahadur Karami, the Kerry super middleweight was keen to make his ambitions clear.

The Kingdom Warrior wants a European title fight and the opportunity to bring that fight home to Kerry.

“I want the European title in Kerry. But I’ve been crying for that for years, but I’m really going to make a noise about it now. European title next,” he told Irish-boxing.com.

“I became the first-ever Kerry man to win a professional boxing title. Let’s take it a step further. Let’s go win the European title. Hopefully I can do it in Kerry.”

Tempting the reigning champion to defend in Munster would prove difficult. However, the Jonathan Lewins-trained fighter has a backup plan. Win the blue strap and he can defend it in the land of green and gold.

“If I can’t [challenge for] it in Kerry, if you become the European champion, you can do it wherever the f*** you want. So it’s your playing field, really.”

The Michael Conlan-mentored puncher has had domestic wars and battles with Emmet Brennan and Jamie Morrissey twice each and won his Irish title by beating Cork’s Cathal Crowley.

He has paid his all Irish dues and feels it’s time to look further afield.

“I just want to move on. Look how many domestic fights I’ve had.

“I’ve had a few. And I’ve got the Irish title around my shoulder now. I want the European title next,” he adds before revealing he hopes to challenge at 168lbs.

“I want a super-middleweight title fight.

“Light-heavyweight, of course, we’re always open to an offer, but super-middleweight is my championship weight.”

The Irish champion was speaking after taking a step away from domestic action and getting a more routine win under his belt.

Although even when taking on a journeyman, Cronin made sure there was a test element to proceedings.

“I’m happy to put in a tough camp and to get a tough fight. I don’t want guys falling over in front of me.

“Look at the even the away fighters I have on my record. None of them guys are getting folded over, because I know, we know, my whole team knows the power I have.”

“People might look at the record like, obviously he’s going the distance. He’s going the distance. Yeah, I’m going the distance with guys who don’t knock out the distance. So I’m not fighting guys who are falling over.”