Headline News

Time to deliver – Declan Geraghty adamant he will take latest step up chance

‘It’s time to deliver’.

The message is clear and straight forward from Declan Geraghty [19(4)-4(3)].

‘Pretty Boy’ has secured another breakthrough fight and will fight rising Frank Warren star Archie Sharp [16(8)-0] on a BT Sports broadcast card at the Royal Albert Hall on September 27 – and he is adamant this is one he has to and will take.

The Dubliner has been here before and despite an impressive win over Johnny Quigley he is noted for his other step up bouts, which all ended up in defeats.

The southpaw was seen in some quarters as a fighter with the talent and style to bring big time boxing back to Dublin. The fact he hasn’t fought in Dublin for some time slowed that down somewhat, but loses to Jono Carroll, James Tennyson and most recently Marco McCullough have stopped him progressing to the heights predicted by some respected pundits in his early career.

The 29-year-old believes no is the time he has to deliver on that promises and it’s something he is determined to do later in this month.

“I am going into his backyard and there is no pressure on me. I know how good his boxing ability is and I think it is down to who has the better boxing IQ,” said the EU silver medal winner before elaborating on the possible chess nature of the clash.

“I like getting involved in a fight, but not this time because it is boxer v boxer.

“Archie is a bit similar to me and likes to keep it long and rangy, but I like getting dragged into a war every so often. His style will suit me and now is my time to deliver.”

Although he looked to be performing well in patches against McCullough and Tennyson in particular before being stopped the manner in which recent world title challenger Carroll broke him down had many writing the skills advocate off.

declan geraghty

However, the fighter who is trained by his father Declan Geraghty Snr believes he is still fresh, still learning and still capable of producing something people have yet to see.

“My body is still young and I’m learning from every fight. I’ve been doing new things in the gym that are helping me improve.

“I don’t think anyone’s seen the best of me outside of the gym and in sparring. There’s plenty more to come.”

dpg

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

x