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‘It’s disgraceful but it’s the truth’ – Changed man Quinn ready to show his real worth

 

The gargle dimmed the game up and until this point admits an honest Martin Quinn.

It’s not an uncommon story in boxing, a sport that needs the highest of dedication levels for ultimate success to be achieved.

Like many gone before the Crumlin BC graduate admits he hasn’t been fully committed nor has he been living the life right.

It is somewhat surprising to hear especially considering he impressed and was unfortunate against Karl Kelly, not to mention he holds a win over Francy Luzuho.

Regardless they are life style issues have now been addressed, as the Dubliner looks to make something of what won’t be the longest of domestic careers, considering he is past 30.

“Ah listen I was drinking, missing sessions and really only getting stuck in with Butch [Shane O’Leary] the last two weeks before the fight,” he explains to Irish-boxing.com.

“You can ask Butch, he will tell you the same. It’s disgraceful but it’s the truth. I’ve given so much to boxing and I think I can give a lot more if I put the work in,” he adds before stressing the change was not prompted by him signing to fight Steven Webb on Celtic Clash 9.

“it’s a personal thing really. It’s nothing to do with Steven Webb. He just my next fight nothing more than that.”

As stated Quinn has impressed to a degree since turning over. He has surprised some with his power and has proved himself a domestic level operator at the very least.

However, he is adamant there is more to come and the Dub predicts a new set up aligned with his new attitude can only mean he becomes a better fighter.

“I really believe in this fight… with the mind frame I’m in and with Butch and Pete Taylor coaching me I can be a lot better than I have been. I think people will notice the improvements.”

With improvements made the Boxing Ireland fighter and Stephen Sharpe project is confident of victory – and once achieved he claims he will target an Irish title shot.

“This fight is only going one way and that is me winning. That’s a fact and when I win I’ll definitely be looking for an Irish title fight. I’ll fight who ever I have to to get that belt.”

Quinn’s opponent, Stephen Webb of Belfast comes into the fight on the back of a knockout defeat at the gloves of Joe Fitzpatrick – who tops the Celtic Clash 9 October 12 bill.

The Dub gives him credit for going straight back into all Irish action – something he did but in different circumstances post his defeat to Kelly – but claims he doesn’t know what to expect at the Devenish.

” I suppose he could of took an easy fight but fair play to him for asking for me. I suppose he has balls, but honestly I know  what to expect from him. I’ve seen only the Fitzpatrick fight so we will see in fight night,” he continues before noting his fellow Irish lightweight claimed he would beat him before they even agreed to fight.

“He said he would beat me in an interview with yous (Irish-boxing.com) already, so we will see on the night.”

The value for money fighter was set to swap Crumlin to team up with Eddie Hyland and the TNT crew, but has switched to Ballyfermot where he is now working with Pete Taylor and O’Leary.

The choice to work at the Colosseum was easy due to the fact it’s a six day a week operation and closer with regard to Quinn’s day job, but the decision to leave Crumlin proved that difficult Quinn admits it was almost easier to retire than to part ways with Phil Sutcliffe and co.

“I went to Eddie’s. I have to say I love Eddie. They’re great up there but I’m with Pete Taylor now. It’s suits me better with working and all  and Eddie’s gym is only 3 days a week I need 6 days to keep me on track.

“Personally it  was very hard to leave Crumlin I was just gona’ hang the gloves up instead of leaving, but I’m looking after myself now. I’m to old I need to get what I want quick.”

 

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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