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Ring Kings promoter promising something different ahead of inaugural Waterford show


Neil Power has promised the people of Waterford that a 70-year wait will be worth it.

The new-to-the-game promoter’s Ring Kings show, which takes place at the WIT Arena on tomorrow night, is the first pro show the Munster city has seen in over seven decades.

There is a sense that Power’s inaugural card, a rare fight night outside of Dublin and Belfast, could be just the planting of a seed that blossoms into something bigger.

However, this isn’t just about getting the show on the road for the promoter – he has been driven to ensure his step along the promotional journey stands out in its own right.

The Waterford man has previously spoken about bringing a professional feel to proceedings and has been creative in terms of how he has tried to push the show.

That high production level, he reveals, will continue throughout the fight night and he assures fans will be entertained as boxing makes a Déise comeback.

“Those that attend can expect an arena filled with a top production, exciting talent and value for money,” Power assured Irish-Boxing.com.

neil power

The young promoter may have some tricks up his sleeve as he plans to make the show stand out. However, he is blessed to have three popular locals on the card meaning the staple diet of ticket sellers each show needs survive has been served up on a platter.

Rohan Date, Barry Barnes and bill-topper Craig McCarthy fight in their hometown as pros for the first time and it seems the locals are determined to come out in support.

“Tickets have been great, it’s no secret Craig McCarthy is a huge ticket-seller which has bolstered sales but every lad on the bill have done very well and I respect that because convincing someone to hand over €40 or €50 to come watch you box ain’t easy,” Power added.

The show seems to have captured the attention of the county and a locally generated buzz has developed to the extent promoters flirting with going to the likes of Cork, Limerick, Kildare or Mayo with certain fighters may just sit up and take note.

“The Waterford people have been great and really been positive about the show. There’s a genuine buzz around the place as it’s new to the city and when you have the 3 lads on the bill that only encourages it more,” Power continued before suggesting as things stand he would be tempted to go again or may even branch out to other areas of the country.

“Tickets sales have been positive enough to suggest that the likelihood is there will be more shows, I’m not in the business of forcing things though.”

“I felt Waterford was right time right place so I may look to see if there is another new location that would appreciate some professionals.”

The majority of promoters are quick to highlight the difficulties they come across in putting on shows. In fact, most go to great lengths to suggest that, but for their love of the sport, they wouldn’t take the risk.

Power was certainly made aware of the negatives and after being forewarned feels he was forearmed and has coped well ahead of his foray into the fight game.

“I went into this expecting it to be a huge undertaking and it hasn’t disappointed. It can get quite stressful dealing with so many different facets that it takes to stage a show. Having the right people in place to help you with event planning, matchmaking, etcetera, is the key.”

“I’m not sure if much has surprised me, people are more then happy to tell you the scare stories before it so you get an indication of how difficult it can be. The hardest thing for me is attempting to switch off from the show!”

dpg

irishboxing

Integral part of the Irish boxing community for over 13 years

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