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Niall Kennedy wants 2019 breakthrough following Darmani Rock disappointment


If things had gone to plan, Niall Kennedy [12(7)-0-1] would be boxing in the biggest fight of his career tomorrow night.

Instead, the Wexford heavyweight is up against TBA the following evening a few hours down the road.

Kennedy had agreed to take an away corner chance on the big Matchroom USA bill at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia tomorrow where he would face unbeaten home favourite Darmani Rock [14(9)-0].

The Gorey Garda had committed to fighting the giant former World Youth Championships gold medallist but, more than half-way through camp, things would fall apart.

Thankfully a replacement fight date would materialise for Kennedy with promoter Murphys Boxing stepping in and providing him a slot on the ‘St Patrick’s Clash 4’ card at the House of Blues in Boston on Saturday.

Kennedy has mixed feelings following the whole saga and explained to Irish-Boxing.com how the fight with Rock “was agreed and we were just waiting on contracts to be signed on their part… Matchroom and Murphys Boxing know the rest, I just know it didn’t transpire.”

“I’m very frustrated and disappointed in the fight not happening as I had already put six weeks camp and time off work and away from family into the camp but I’m blessed Packie [Collins, trainer and manager] and Murphys Boxing got me a fight on the card Paddy’s weekend to put the long camp to good use.”

With boxing in the U.S. being more lucrative than ever as the likes of DAZN, ESPN, Showtime, and Fox, compete – as well as the heavyweight scene being fractured following Tyson Fury’s move to Top Rank – there are plenty of big money fights out there.

Kennedy is looking to capitalise wand sees 2019 as a breakthrough year.

The 34-year-old has had confidence issues in the past but big wins followed by sparring with unified champion Anthony Joshua helped foster belief in his abilities.

The English fighter defends his WBA, IBF, and WBO belts versus Jarrell Miller in New York on June 1st – a fighter Kennedy has, on record, said he fancies his chances against.

However, while this may have previously been seen as validation for Kennedy, ‘Boom Boom Baz’ is confident and comfortable enough to focus on himself.

He explained how “I believe it’s a great fight for Anthony to show his ability in America and I think Big Baby has a fantastic profile and will create a buzz – but this is an individual sport.”

“Best of luck to them both in their paths but I take confidence from what I do in the gym and more importantly what I’ll do in fights.”

“2019 will be big.”

Should Kennedy get through this weekend, with former cruiserweight title challenger Michael Marrone an unconfirmed possibility, he wants to kick-start his progression.

A fight, at last, with appeals, but there are plenty of options in a middle-heavy scene which needs true contenders to emerge – thus providing opportunity.

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Kennedy outlined how “this weekend is most important to me as it sets up bigger opportunities but this year has to be big and that is down to me performing Saturday for a start.”

“Then, the trust I have in Ken [Casey, promoter] and Packie will set up big fights for 2019.”

“Darmani Rock remains a target but not the only one.”

“I’ve trained exceptionally hard for 10 weeks for a high level opponent to give a high level performance so I can’t slip up this weekend.”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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