‘It hasn’t been nice dragging around that L’ – Doheny eyes return to winning ways
TJ Doheny [21(15)-1(0)] is looking forward to ridding himself of the ‘L’ that has been weighing him down over the last six months, as he returns to the ring tonight.
‘The Power’ suffered first career defeat when he lost to Danny Roman in Inglewood back in April.
That defeat came at the highest level, a massive unification clash where the Australia-based, Boston-trained Portlaoise fighter’s stock rose.
However, that is little consolation for the now former IBF super bantamweight champion of the world and he admits the reverse has weighed heavy.
The 32-year-old has the chance to put some distance between himself and the points reverse tonight as he fights on the big Matchroom USA show in Chicago.
It’s a nice platform to return on and Doheny is looking forward to securing a win that will enable him to look forward again.
“I have to say it hasn’t been a nice feeling dragging around an L for the past six months and I’m looking forward to getting back to winning ways and building momentum for bigger fights in the very near future,” Doheny told Irish-boxing.com.
“It feels great to be back in the swing of things and having that fight week buzz again. It’s great to be back on a high profile card like this and I want to thank MTK Global for getting me the opportunity.”
🗣 “Just mentally, it still really hurts.”@TjDoheny recalls April’s all-out war with Daniel Roman, as he targets a swift return to the top flight 👊 #DohenyMartinez #UsykWitherspoon pic.twitter.com/Sd92kV34Gv
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 11, 2019
The reverse may have affected the Laois southpaw’s mood to a degree, but it certainly didn’t harm his confidence.
Doheny still believes he is the best super bantamweight in the world and is confident he will get the chance to prove it over the next few months.
A repeat with Roman was called for, but the WBA and IBF champion has mandatory obligations, which leaves WBC champ Rey Vargas and WBO title holder Emanuel Navarrete.
READ: Doheny vows to prove he is World’s best
Rey Vargas, like Doheny, is DAZN-affiliated, Navarrete is with Top Rank and ESPN, which suggests Vargas would be the most likely, but Doheny isn’t picky he just wants a return to world champion status.
“Which route I take to getting back on top doesn’t concern me, but I’m very confident I will secure another title fight in the next 6-8 months.”
First ‘The Power’ has to come through his bout in America this weekend. Jesus Martinez [26(13)-9(5)] provides the opposition and having studied him Doheny believes he will have to force the issue tonight.
“From what footage I’ve seen he’s pretty negative so I might have to go looking for him at times which won’t be a problem for me,” he adds before stressing the fight being announced late won’t be an issue.
“It was a bit of a late announcement alright, but we knew we were going to be getting out sometime in late September or early October, so I’ve been out in Boston readying myself for whatever date popped up. “
