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“Robbed” Martin Quinn promises to outbox Karl Kelly again in must-happen rematch


During the seconds between the final bell and the result being officially revealed Martin Quinn was preparing his best Victor Rabei call out but now instead finds himself having to verbalize his desire for a Karl Kelly rematch.

The pair didn’t wilt at having to follow a Christy Dignam set and provided as much entertainment as the Dublin legend over six all-action rounds in the ‘Celtic Clash 7’ chief support.

Quinn is adamant he got the better of the all-Dublin clash and, even with time allowed to let raw emotions die down, was calling ‘robbery’ when reflecting on the result.

The Crumlin fighter just can’t fathom the 58-57 scoreline from referee David Irving in favour of Kelly, claiming he won the fight by, at least, four round to two.

“I feel robbed, it’s a joke. It was a shocking decision. I am more than shocked because I know I won the fight. I don’t think it was bad luck, it was bad refereeing,” Quinn told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I had the title fight with Rabei snatched from me. It’s just disheartening because I won.”

The consensus was that pair would produce a phone box affair with the previously inactive Quinn the more likely to tire over an unfamiliar distance. However, the Phil Sutcliffe-trained fighter showed good fitness and surprising skills to stay at range for periods.

Analysing his performance, Quinn described how “I felt strong in every round. I didn’t tire. The plan was to outbox him and I outboxed him.”

“Walking back to the corner in all rounds except the third I thought I won them.”

“At the very least, I thought I won it four rounds to two.”

The disgruntled Quinn thought he had won and was about to begin calling for a clash with BUI light welterweight champion Rabei but, in what could maybe be described as a silver lining, a new title path has opened up.

A Kelly rematch is the obvious next fight for both and, if the pair were to meet again, there could be a lot more on the line.

A repeat would look to be the perfect fit for the inaugural BUI Celtic lightweight title and Boxing Ireland Promotions have already receieved provisional approval for this.

“I want the rematch, so bad,” Quinn stressed.

“He [Kelly] said it was a war after the fight and said he would like to do it again. I am sure we can do it for the Celtic title, I think it’s vacant at 61kgs.”

“If we were to do it over eight rounds it will be the same, I outboxed him, I’ll outbox him again.”

While he left the arena upset with the result Quinn holds no grudge toward the winner. Indeed, he has more respect for the aggressive and heart packed Kelly after their six rounds.

“It was a great scrap. I can tell you he has some chin. He didn’t take a step back all night. I definitely have respect for him.”

Photo Credit: Sharon Flanagan
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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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