Irish Government Ministers hail TJ Doheny following Tokyo World Title win

The build-up to the fight was rather under-the-radar but TJ Doheny‘s world title win this morning has not gone unnoticed.

The Portlaoise super bantamweight defeated reigning IBF champion Ryosuke Iwasa in his native Japan.

Doheny [20(14)-0] scored a unanimous decision win at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo to become Ireland’s twenty-first ever world champ, fourth ever unified champ, and third reigning champion.

A massive achievement, 31-year-old Doheny has been hailed by Irish government ministers.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, Brendan Griffin, both paid tribute to the Laois star

Minister Ross stated that “on behalf of the Irish people I am delighted to congratulate TJ. He has indeed created boxing history following this fantastic victory over the defending champion. It is a remarkable achievement for TJ who becomes only the second boxer from Ireland or the UK to win a world title in Japan.”

“The hard work, commitment and dedication that lies behind such success serves to inspire, to encourage and to give us all a sense of pride. I wish him well in all his future endeavours.”

Minister Griffin added that “TJ’s performance over 12 rounds was outstanding. What an achievement for him to become the third reigning Irish world champion alongside Ryan Burnett and Katie Taylor. I am sure that everyone in Portlaoise and the whole country are very proud of him.”

“I have no doubt that he will have more great boxing achievements in the future.”

It is a welcome acknowledgement for an Irish boxer’s achievements following much-publicised successes in hockey, gymnastics, and athletics in recent weeks – and hopefully a similar bump in funding and a major homecoming will also be in order.