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Tony Nellins eyes Irish welterweights ahead of comeback bout


Last time out Tony Nellins [3(0)-0-1] was involved in an under-the-radar Fight of the Year.

The Belfast welterweight fought to a four-round 39-39 draw with Ross Jameson in Belfast, a bout which brought the Shorts Sports and Social Club to its feet.

That fight was a year and a half ago and, since then, nothing.

It’s been a frustrating period for Nellins – who also had a five-and-a-half year gap between bout two and three – but he finally makes his return to the ring next month.

Back at the scene of his Jameson war, the Eastside fighter features on the Team Alio and Boxing Ireland ‘Back in Belfast’ card on Saturday November 17th where he will face well-known Bulgarian brawler Radoslav Mitev.

While he has been out a long time, Nellins will come into the four-round clash in fighting shape.

A fitness industry professional, ‘The Baddest Man in Belfast’ has been in the gym throughout his absence – with injury and bad luck preventing him from breaking his break sooner.

Nellins told Irish-Boxing.com that “the last 18 months I’ve been training consistently.”

“I was scheduled to be fighting on Mark Dunlop’s bill on April 14th but due to a bit of bad luck and a perforated ear drum the fight was cancelled!”

“As soon as it’d healed up I was back training and in preparation for the bill in October at the Europa Hotel but that was obviously scrubbed due to James Tennyson fighting in Boston!”

“It was more frustrating than anything but the consistent training and always staying ready has kept my mind at ease, I’m buzzing to get the fight date confirmed.”

“As always I’ll be bringing the Nellins Army with me to set the atmosphere!”

While he has been out, the Irish welterweight scene has exploded.

Since Nellins v Jameson, the likes of John Joyce, Dylan Moran, and Keane McMahon have all debuted and racked up the wins.

It’s a mix the 27-year-old wants to get involved in and he noted that “as far as fights go, I’m keen to fight them all any one of them!”

“Although myself team are gonna be smart about it and fight the right fights at the right time,” he added before expressing his desire to be kept busy.

“The most important thing for me this year is staying ready and being consistent!”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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