Waldron feels just champion
19 May 2010 – By Steve Wellings
At the age of 35 and with only six professional fights under his belt, Ballyhaunis light-heavyweight John Waldron defied the odds and defeated Jamie Power for the vacant Irish title.
Waldrons display of smart boxing, saw him use all of the right tools to dominate his Limerick opponent and post a 97-91 win on the referees scorecard.
Speaking backstage, just minutes after his proudest moment, an emotional Waldron revealed the painful fact that his late father was unable to share in victory.
My father, James Michael, was at my last fight, here in Limerick last November but he passed away two and a half months ago, said John.
I know he was here in my corner tonight and he went to every one of my fights right back from amateur, but unfortunately he didnt get to see this one.
Indeed, anyone connected with Waldron would have been impressed at the way he controlled the ring with a sharp jab, swift movement and powerful right hand, dropping Power twice en-route to victory. The improvements shown in the now 5-2 fighters style are further testament to the skills of Phil Sutcliffe and his Crumlin boxing team.
Training in Crumlin with Phil and the boys is fantastic for me, added Waldron. Jamies a strong lad but Im a strong lad too, my record doesnt do me justice.
Losing his debut to Ciaran Healy and dropping a controversial disqualification loss to Danny Couzens in Galway left Waldron sporting a less than impressive 1-2 record after three bouts. Winning three on the bounce, with two via stoppage, propelled John into the title shot with Power and his moment to shine.
Waldron continues, I caught Jamie with some good shots but I still didnt want to rush in after hurting him because thats when hes most dangerous. After I caught him in the middle rounds he got me and I told myself not to be stupid. If the knockout came then I would have taken it, but the game plan was not to go looking for it.
Every round was like a new fight for me. My jab worked well, so did the right uppercut; he has a big right hand so I was wary of getting caught. A wins a win, Im right in the mix and the belt comes home with me.
Fans will now be eager to see Waldron back in action, with a first title defence against Michael Sweeney a possibility.
I dont mind who is next but I hurt my right knuckle in one of the rounds and with a bit of rest Ill get back in there, he stated.