Iron Man to use Skelton as stepping stone back to the top

By Jonny Stapleton
MARTIN Rogan dismissed suggestions the fat lady is ready to burst into full voice and call time on his entertaining career, claiming he will prove he still has a lot to offer by defeating the toughest fighter he ever faced.
Rogan rematches with fellow over 40 Matt Skelton, who he stopped in aĀ  2009 Commonwealth dust up, in the Kings Hall on November 12 and believes victory will propel him back into title contention.
The Iron Man is only two fights back from a serious neck injury and has only fought twice in the last two years but isnā€™t just eager to prolong his career he is keen on a return to the top.
ā€˜The Entertainerā€™ and Belfast Taxi driver believes former world title challenger and evergreen tough man Skelton can deliver him passage back into title contention.

ā€œThis is a great opportunity for both of us, make no mistake about it. When this fight is over, one of us will be progressing for recognition for bigger prizes, so there is a lot at stake and that should make it a spectacular night of boxing,ā€ Rogan explained yesterday.

ā€œWeā€™ve both been out of the ring for a long time. Unfortunately itā€™s been tough getting fights and promoters are only interested in certain fighters so thankfully we have a chance to meet again. What better way to get back in but in a fight like this?ā€
The 40 year old former Commonwealth champion and inaugural Prizefighter winner hailed Skelton has the best he has fought and claims that is the type of comeback test he desired.
Rogan, who has been refining his skills under the tutelage of Bernardo Checa of late,Ā  has never been one to turn down a brawl and he is prediction an all action encounter in Belfast on the same night as fellow Irish heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury fights in Manchester.
ā€œSome people would like an easier challenge after being out of the ring for so long but thatā€™s boxing and this is the toughest sport out there. Itā€™s weeks of training for 36 minutes of boxing or earlier. I had two fights last November and Iā€™m coming back against the toughest fighter Iā€™ve fought in my career. It was a great night of brawling last time and everyone watching saw a really great fight. Matt comes to fight and so do I, so letā€™s get it on. My fans want to see a fight and Matt will come and give them that.ā€

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