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‘I wasn’t allowed to stop him’- Kevin Cronin angry with gumshield antics

A heartbroken Kevin Cronin [5(2)-1-1] feels robbed on so many fronts.

The Kerry fighter believes he was denied a famous and historic Irish title win both before and after the final bell in Galway last Friday.

‘The Kingdom Warrior’s’ upset with the scoring of his rematch with Jamie Morrissey [5(1)-1] was clear and obvious from the moment ring announcer Terry Kavanagh confirmed the fight a draw.

That upset hasn’t subsided in the days that followed and the cards are not the only ring matter that has the Munster man feeling aggrieved.

The Jonathan Lewins trained fighter believes he was also prevented the opportunity to score what would have been a statement stoppage win by Morrissey’s gum shield issues.

Cronin argues his rival’s gumshield found its way to the floor at the most opportune moments – and is adamant the fact he was granted time to put it back in before a natural break in the fight prevented a green and gold TKO victory.

“I was definitely confident I won,” he tells Irish-boxing.com. “We knew I had had it. The whole crowd knew I had it.

“We knew Jamie was tough, so the stoppage would have just been a bonus. But to be honest I wasn’t allowed to stop him. Anytime I would land a significant combo and I was on the verge of a stoppage the gumshield would come out. Then the ref would stop the exchange, it was very aggravating. I can’t understand why the ref was stopping the exchanges, you let the exchange finish then deal with the business and punishment. Then again then punishment didn’t even happen,” he adds before expressing his upset further.

“It was an absolute shamble of officiating by the ref and I don’t like saying things like that but I was fighting two men in that ring.”

It’s strong from Cronin, but he was still feeling raw, angry and hurt.

“I’m just gutted. I’ve worked my whole life for that moment and for it to be pulled from me like that is just a tough one to take. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.”

Cronin admits he was slow to start in the Fight of the Year contender but feels he dominated the second half of the fight and showed the Irish fight fraternity he is top end domestic level.

“I obviously didn’t get going until after the third round and Jamie was really smart in the fight but from round 4 on I got to show everybody a little bit of what I can do.”

Irish-boxing.com discussed the gumshield issue on our podcast this week and agreed a point could have been taken off. However, we have always been big and vocal admirers of the referee on the night.

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