‘This is my time’ – John Joe Nevin determined to take breakthrough opportunity

John Joe Nevin [13(4)-0] claims his time has come and he is determined to shine after finally securing a break through opportunity.

The Olympic silver medallist has had a stop-start five-and-a-half years as a pro boxer, suffering injuries, inactivity, and being unable to build on a good win over Alejandro Rynn in March 2018.

However, ‘The Mulingar Shuffler’s’ circumstances and career trajectory could change after he was given the chance to gatecrash the world rankings on a big platform.

The Westmeath super feather will take on Nicaraguan southpaw Freddy Fonseca [27(18)-4(1)-1] for the vacant WBA International title at the York Hall in London on Saturday November 16th.

The chief support bout on a Hennessy Sports card, the fight will be shown live on Channel 5.

It’s a first real breakthrough chance for the former amateur star and one he is determined to take.

In fact he is adamant now is his time shine and believes he is finally in a position that will allow him to progress toward fulfilling his potential.

The 30-year-old told Kevin Byrne of SunSport: “I have needed a bit of luck and to catch a break, and now I have.

“I know that when I face better opponents, that’s when I get better myself. Win this and I’ll be rated in the top 15 of the WBA world rankings which opens a lot of doors.

“It’s where I need to be — and this is my time.”

#mullingarshuffle https://t.co/NVBIxYhs8W

— John Joe Nevin (@johnJoeNevin) October 19, 2019

Fonseca built on the tough Nicaraguan scene before taking on JoJo Diaz in March, losing to the world title challenger via seventh round stoppage. The Central American was last in action in September where he was outpointed over eight by Japanese prospect Masanori Rikiishi.

Mullingar’s Nevin notes how it’s a “first major breakthrough with a serious opponent that can really punch but I’m really looking forward to the challenge and capturing my first belt as a professional.”

“Thanks to my team for getting me this opportunity! Now the rest is up to me.”