NEVIN: I WANT TO CARRY THE TORCH FOR IRISH BOXING
Mullingar man cannot wait to box at home for the first time
Olympic hero John Joe Nevin wants to become the leading light of Irish boxing and says he cannot wait to fulfil his dream of fighting as a professional in his homeland when he makes his third appearance as a pro at The 3Arena in Dublin on November 15, live on Sky Sports
The Olympic silver medallist left the amateur ranks behind after winning European gold last summer and says he is excited to continue to represent Ireland as a professional.
“It has always been a dream to box in front of my home fans as a professional,” said Nevin. “I really cannot wait for Saturday night.
“There are some big name boxers in Ireland but they are pushing towards the end of their careers now and I want to be the one to take over Irish boxing. I would love something like what Luke Campbell has in Hull.
“As a pro it is more like you are boxing for yourself but I am still representing Ireland as a professional. I feel the pressure of the Irish support and I want to perform for them.
“It is amazing to fight in front of the Irish fans. Looking back on the Olympics, it gives me goose bumps to think what the crowd was like. It is an amazing feeling, the Irish are great fans, and I think Saturday night is going to be a great show.
“It is like making my pro debut again because this time it is at home. It will be a packed out crowd in a big arena and it is a great promoter putting on the show. It is going to be great.”
Nevin’s bout is part of a fantastic line-up of action in Dublin, topped by Matthew Macklin’s World title eliminator against WBC International champion Jorge Sebastian Heiland.
Kal Yafai defends his IBF Inter-Continental Super Flyweight title against Everth Briceno, Manchester Lightweight star Anthony Crolla is in action, unbeaten Dubliners Declan Geraghty and Luke Keeler both fight in their seventh fights, Belfast’s unbeaten Cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy fights in his fourth pro contest and exciting Stourbridge Welterweight Sam Eggington and Manchester Light Welterweight Kofi Yates are also in action.
Tickets for the blockbuster night are on sale now priced at €30, €50 and €80 from The 3Arena at www.3arena.ie and on 0818 719 300 (R.O.I) and 0844 8472 455 (UK and NI). VIP tickets priced €150 are exclusively available from Matchroom Boxing at www.MatchroomBoxing.com and on 01277 359900.
