Rogan in determined mood

07 October 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

Martin Rogan has told irish-boxing.com that nothing will stop him defeating Commonwealth heavyweight champion Sam Sexton in their eagerly anticipated rematch.

The Belfast star will get a shot at revenge on November 6 at the Odyssey Arena the same venue in which Sexton claimed the title in controversial circumstances in May.

Despite being behind on points, Rogan seemed to be on the verge of a stoppage victory only to lose out as a result of unpopular refereeing and the decision of the fight doctor.

The rematch was originally due to take place on October 9, but was put back by a month as a result of a neck injury to Rogan.

Speaking after his appearance at Tuesday nights Bunce Live event in Dockers, Belfast, Rogan said that he will not make the mistakes he felt cost him victory first time around.

“Perhaps last time I gave Sam Sexton too much credit and too much respect,” he conceded.

“So I will train hard to go out and do my stuff. Im still getting treatment for the injury but it is going ahead no matter what and I will be the winner.”

Despite the injury, Rogan managed to maintain his fitness levels.

“I kept ticking over. We did whatever we could to work within the injury so we kept pressing forward. But there is still a lot of work to do. Im getting treatment.”

The bout, which takes place on the same night Paul McCloskey fights for the European light-welterweight title in Magherafelt, looks set to be a sell out. And Rogan is only too happy to thank those who have helped him transcend the sport.

“It is great that people come and enjoy what I do,” he admitted.

“I’m just an ordinary guy – a father and a husband. I have to do a days work it just so happens that that job is sport. If that opens doors for kids to get involved in the sport then that is great. It means that I am doing something good.”