Rogan want title

9 February 2010 – By Jonny Stapleton

Martin Rogan is excited about the long overdue return of the Irish heavyweight title this weekend.

The inaugural Prizefighter winner claims he is interested in facing the winner of Saturdays decider and reinvigorating the domestic scene.

Coleman Barrett and Colin Kenna will glove up in the National Stadium on Saturday in what will be the first Irish heavyweight title fight since Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride defeated Paul Douglas in 1997.

And The Entertainer, who believes it is ridiculous the title has been dormant for so long said he would like to fight for the belt.

The former Commonwealth champion, who expects to return to action in five months after an operation last month, has already been made mandatory for the title but did stress the price would have to be right.

I am certainly interested in facing the winner and fighting for the Irish title. I have to be honest and say the price has to be right but no doubt if it was I would fight the winner. I have been in professional boxing for five years and the Irish Title is one I have always been interested in. There would be no problem in me doing for domestic and European heavyweight boxing what David Haye has done for the international scene, he said.

I hate to sit on the fence but I cant decide between Coleman and Colin. The real winner here is the fans though. The Irish heavyweight title should have been fought for a long time ago. Its not right waiting 10 years for a title fight especially the heavyweight title. If you dont defend a British title within three months you can be striped. I think it should be similar in Ireland. Defend it or hand it back.

This idea of having champions unchallenged for years is ridiculous.