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‘Who wants it?’ – Cummings open to big fights after beating Grabiec and depression

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Conrad Cummings [17(7)-3(0)-1] didn’t just beat Adam Grabiec [7(1)-28(7)] when he fought in the Ulster Hall on Friday night.

The Tyrone favourite admits he won a battle with depression and fought through times so tough, that getting back into the ring last weekend was a massive victory in itself.

Indeed, ‘Mr Dynamite’ revealed there was a period in the last few months were he felt he would never step through the ropes again.

The 28-year-old has been open about how troubled he was, particularly post his defeat to Luke Keeler earlier this year, ahead of Friday’s return fight – and while he didn’t want to dwell on it after he returned to winning ways, he did feel he had to address it.

“It was a bit surreal,” he said when asked about fighting again. ” I didn’t think I would overcome [and get back in the ring]. I was doubting myself for while there, but as you seen my support is second to none. They are probably my biggest motivation at the minute because I have had my little difficulties and personal stuff,” he added.

“I was bad with depression. My financée left, we obviously had a house together, we had to sell that, wedding cancelled and after the Keeler fight I was peeing blood. Can you get worse than that? But it’s made me into a better person as strange as that sounds.”

The once again jovial middle feels he has dealt with difficult times, he enjoyed fighting in front of his fans on Friday night and is happy to have rid himself of any rust.

“I know it’s a cliché but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and I feel good and I am excited. I enjoyed that I got the rust off and I want to move on. I took my time and tried a few things out. I just wanted to get the rust off and that is what we have done,” he adds of his first fight under new trainer Gerard McManus.

With the rust off Cummings wants straight back into meaningful fights. He doesn’t believe there should a period of rebuilding considering his experience levels and he indicates he is ready for any willing middleweights.

“I will roll the dice. This is my 21st pro fight, I have fought in the WSB, I have been there and done it and that was a good six rounds, okay to get the dust off, but I am ready to go. Let’s go, who wants it?”

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

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