Hogan makes successful debut
20 April 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Former Irish international amateur boxer Dennis Hogan ditched the headgear and vest and made a successful paid debut defeating Marlon Toby in the Fortitude Stadium, Queensland, Australia recently.
The 26 year old light heavyweight retired his opponent in the second round of his pro debut and is already planning second and third innings as early as May and August. Hogan, who had over 150 amateur fights and won and multi nations gold in Israel in a solid pre pro career, has set up residence in Australia and boasts 2008 Commonwealth gold medallist Jarrod Fletcher, Australian Beijing team captain Todd Kidd, Olympian James Giltrow and former Australian champions Fred Mundraby and Matt Power as his new stablemates.
Like a lot of young Irish of late, the Kildare native was enticed Down Under by the prospect of work, but unlike most he wont be plying his trade in bars or building site rather in the ring. Hogan is being promoted and managed by Steve Deller and sponsored by Bigshot Nutrition and has plans to stay fighting in Australia for the time being.
My debut felt incredible. All my training came good for me on the night and I just put it all together, he said. I was a hundred percent confident, because of the training I am doing I am always going to be regardless of who I am facing. It was great my first win under my belt. I am out again on May 13 and again in August.
When I am feeling this good I am going to take as many fights as possible without overdoing it of course. My long term goals is a world title and the way I am starting to box now I believe I can achieve that more and more every training session. The coaches here are great, were all like a family, they are putting good time into me too, Im very thankful of this opportunity. It makes me trainer harder. The standard here is very good especially in my stable. I do think I will box in Ireland again. I would like to fight for an Irish title but I am not thinking about that at the minute. I have my work cut out for me here and I am happy where I am.
Meanwhile Ian Tims hopes of fighting former contender contestant and Irish-American Roy Coyne have been dashed as the Out Law has a planned a world title raid. Coyne, who is promoted by Don King, will challnege Guillermo Jones for the WBA Cruiserweight strap.
