Jamie Morrissey wants the Irish title next
It doesn’t look like fast starter Jamie Morrissey [4(1)-0] will slow down despite claiming a title in record time last weekend.
The Limerick super middle became the fastest fighter to BUI Celtic title success when he defeated Ben McGivern in Scotland on Saturday night.
That victory saw the Muay Thai convert claim significant domestic honours in just his fourth fight and break a second duck egg at the stage when most are at journeyman level.
The Treaty County fighter isn’t about to take his foot off the pedal and will retain that level of early ambition according to manager Ian Gaughran.
Speaking after the win Gaughran, who also manages BUI middleweight champion, Graham McCormack, told Irish-boxing.com Morrissey is already Irish Title keen.
“Sam Kynoch mentioned Darren Johnson as a potential defence and that’s a possibility, but the Irish title is what Jamie wants, it’s what we all want,” Gaughran responds when thrown the obligatory post fight ‘whats next’ question.
“For now, Jamie will enjoy his win and his birthday, which he celebrated in the hours after his win, and we’ll sort out the next move then.”
Gaughran wasn’t all about the birthday and partying, he kept his business head on as he proposed an ideal Irish title fight.
“It looks like Kevin Cronin is fighting Robbie Burke for the Celtic light heavy title but if Cronin can get himself down to super middle and wants a piece then he knows where we are.”
Taking time to reflect, the Dublin-based manager revealed he was overjoyed for Morrissey.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Jamie, for Shaun [Kelly] and the whole team, it’s a great team down there in Limerick and I couldn’t be more proud to be associated with them,” Gaughran added before admitting McGivern gave them more trouble than expected.
“It actually became a little bit more difficult than we had expected and all credit goes to Ben McGivern for that. He never stopped coming, despite getting picked off at range throughout, and he gave Jamie hell.”
Gaughran also revealed the Shaun Kelly trained Morrissey wasn’t overly happy with his performance.
“Jamie actually didn’t feel great in there and I know he isn’t overly happy with his performance but I do think he’s being a little hard on himself because it’s in adversity that we see what champions are made of and Jamie is a champion.”
Morrissey’s win means Limerick can boast to having two BUI Celtic champions as well as a NABA title holder in Lee Reeves, not to mention former underage amateur standout’s Edward Donovan and his brother Top Rank starlet Paddy Donovan as well as new to the scene David Ryan.
Surely it’s ripe for a pro show of its own?
“It’s such an exciting time for Limerick boxing, with the team at Treaty – Jamie, Graham and David Ryan as part of my stable and then you throw in the likes of Paddy and Edward Donovan and it’s absolutely thriving down there.”
If domestic shows remain a no-go, Gaughran has Belfast where he works with Mark Dunlop, and Scotland where he works with Sam Kynoch as options.
“Sam is a great guy though and a superb promoter and I love working with him – long may that continue – so I’d like to thank him for his continued assistance and we look forward to fighting on his shows again.”
