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John Joe Nevin aims to set up World Title shot with big 2019


John Joe Nevin [11(4)-0] claims he is feeling better than ever and ready to use 2019 to set up a 2020 world title shot.

Such are the talents and amateur achievements of ‘The Mullingar Shuffler’, he has never become a ‘forgotten man’ but he has failed to gain any real momentum since turning over back in 2014.

Since the start of Nevin’s pro career, injuries and outside-of-the-ring issues have played a major part in curtailing the 29-year-old’s progress and he has been restricted to infrequent fights.

However, having ended 2018 with victory over Nicaraguan journeyman Reynaldo Cajina at the York Hall, the Olympic silver medallist told Irish-Boxing.com he is back to his best – and then some – whilst predicting a breakthrough 2019.

“The plan is to get three big fights in this year and to have myself well positioned for a title shot by 2020,” outlined the Westmeath man.

“The plan is to get my name back out there this year. I have not gone away – in fact, I am better than ever.”

“With injury problems I had to take it easy, but I gave my body time to recover from all the hard going I put in over the last 10 years or so at senior level.”

Nevin may be handed the chance to catch the eye when he returns in March – opponent permitting, and it is hoped that he will be given a fight with a strong super featherweight – perhaps even one which is seen as a ‘fifty-fifty’.

He will appear alongside fellow former amateur legend Katie Taylor as well as Jono Carroll-who will both be involved in world title fights – in Philadelphia on Saturday March 16th at the Liacouras Centre.

The card will be shown on DAZN and Sky Sports and Nevin’s involvement is further proof Matchroom and Eddie Hearn see the value of an Irish fighter Stateside.

However, while the former amateur standout sees it as a perfect opportunity to re-introduce himself to fight fans the fighter of noted talent and achievement is adamant he is not auditioning for Hearn and co.

“It’s brilliant I love fighting there [America], t’s my home from home,” said Nevin ahead of what will be his ninth fight across the Atlantic.

“Out there I have such a big following and all my following out there are top notch which drives me on more.”

“Of course, it’s also brilliant to be fighting alongside such great talent especially my Olympic team mate Katie Taylor the golden girl of women’s boxing.

“I am always looking to impress and put a good show. It’s not an audition, but I do want to impress all my fans and everyone watching.  I want to put a statement out to other boxers but if the right deal came along of course we would consider it,” he added before expanding on the idea of fighting alongside unified world champion Taylor.

“Katie is the best in the business a tremendous warrior and one of the nicest people you could ever meet out side the ring.”

Nevin’s chances of making a genuine statement could rely on the level of opponent he will face – and he has called for a step up as he bids to make an impressive start to 2019.

“There is no word on oppenent as of yet but I am sure it will be another step up. I have insisted on it so I am really looking forward to another test in my career.”

“I just want to say thanks to all my fans out there, I hope you all keep following my career as i try and make a major step this year.”

“Thanks to all the Irish media for getting my name back out there, I really appreciate it.”

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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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