Like father like son

30 May 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Stephen Quinn literally followed in his fathers footsteps by defeating boxing centurion Delroy Spencer in the Holiday Inn on Saturday night.

However, having impressed in emulating his father last ever points win on his debut, the 18 year old bantamweight showed enough to suggest he has the class to surpass the heights achieved by his senior over next few years.

Quinn was relaxed, confident, picked his shots well and showed maturity beyond his years in dispatching an experienced and durable opponent.

And its seems Irelands latest pro fighters is as calm outside the ring as he was in it on Saturday night. Speaking to www.irish-boxing.com after his first paid appearance Quinn was composed and satisfied with his display.

The fight went well. Delroy is experienced. He has over 100 fights so it was a good work out and text for me. I felt relaxed in there. I have been coached by Bernardo and he has me in shape and got me ready. His record speaks for itself. I knew he was experienced and had been in good company but I was comfortable in there and it went well, Quinn said before admitting the win will boost his confidence.

Beating a lad like Delroy does give you confidence. I am already eager to get out again. Hopefully I will get a fight on a bigger under card.

And did he think he did better than his father against the Wolverhampton fighter? Of course he did!

I think I did better than my Dad did against him. He will admit that himself.

Quinn senior disagrees but was delighted with his sons performance.

I am very happy with his display. It isnt bad for his first fight. He could fire a few more shoots, but he will learn as he goes. I wasnt worried about him fighting Delroy at all. I know what he is capable of and the quality he has. He didnt do as well as I did against him though!

The show played host to another debutant as Gerard Healy answered a last minute call to arms by Belfast Promotions. Healy took a fight with Aaron Fox at less than a days notice but despite initially being awarded a draw finally had his hands raised and got his career off to a winning start via a 40-39 win.

I have been amateur for four years but everyone said the pro game would suit me better. It was a good first fight. I just found out I was fighting yesterday morning, Healy told www.irish-boxing.com.

I was a little sick last Saturday and that probably told in some of those rounds. He is a tough opponent for a first fight. That is his ninth fight and I am pleased with myself. It was close and he was coming forward well, but I think I landed the cleaner shoot. I did tire. I was doing five three in sparring but that was different, but as I said that illness might have taken a bit out of me. It was a good good fight and a great start. I will keep at it for the year and see if I am ready to raise it a level then.