Hedderman Happy to Go the Distance on Road to the Top
Kian Hedderman is in it for the long haul, so he was happy he went the distance in his most recent outing.
The Limerick prospect heard the final bell for the first time since turning over when he outpointed the Marcos Nicolas Karalitzky at the National Stadium earlier in the month.
It brought to an end the Jason Quigley-mentored boxer’s 100 percent record, but ‘Mean Kian’ was 100 percent ok with that.
The OLOL graduate understands he won’t be able to send everyone to the canvas and, as such, was happy to bank some learning rounds and a four-round workout against tough Argentinian opposition.
“It was actually good to go the distance. That was my first time going the distance. It’s a really tough experience, man, so very happy with that,” he told Irish-boxing.com.
Hedderman admitted he had not expected his opponent to start so aggressively, but recognised that dealing with such moments was an important part of his progression in the professional ranks.
Reflecting on the lessons learned, he explained the importance of regaining control when a fight does not initially go to plan.
“Having to regroup and get back on my jab is what I need to do to win the fight,” he said.
The bout was also significant because it marked Hedderman’s return to the National Stadium, a venue that holds special memories from his amateur days.
“Look, I was 18 years of age coming up here and winning inters under 10 fights, and this is where I was, as I said in interviews this week, this is where I was made,” he said.
“I’m delighted to be back here, and I had that feeling again of being that young nervous 18-year-old and now becoming a man here again.”
The occasion represented more than another professional appearance for the 23-year-old. It was a chance to return to a venue that helped shape him as a boxer and an opportunity for the Treaty County man to reflect on how far he has come.
“I’ve learned a lot, matured as a man, especially this year, so I’m very, very happy with that and looking for another big year again,” he said.
With his first distance fight now behind him, Hedderman can turn his attention to the next challenge, as he prepares to step up to six rounds in Letterkenny on October 24.
