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James Power
Power

Cork 17-year-old becomes Ireland's youngest pro boxer, will make debut in Mexico

James Power is set to make his professional debut in Mexico in September but will remain in school for his Leaving Cert year.

PROMISING CORK BOXER James Power has become Ireland’s youngest prizefighter after confirming this evening that he has entered the punch-for-pay ranks.

The 17-year-old former Legacy Boxing Club prodigy won two Irish titles at underage level but was edged out by Ballymun’s superb David Oliver Joyce in the U18 national final at 60kg last month. He has also previously fought out of Fr. Horgan’s BC and Glen BC.

Assassin Promotions have joined forces with well-travelled Kilkenny cut-man Andy O’Neill to steer Power’s venture into pro boxing, while veteran Dublin coach Declan Geraghty Sr will take the reins in a training capacity.

Power will head to Mexico in September for his professional debut as the Boxing Union of Ireland require fighters to be 18 or older in order to obtain a BUI licence.

The Dripsey native will remain in school at Coachford College, however, until the completion of his Leaving Cert next summer.

⭐ Big Announcement ⭐ At 17 years old I am very excited to say that I am about to make my dreams of becoming Ireland's youngest professional boxer in history come true. Turning pro has been a lifelong goal of mine. Since I was 9 years old I've been training everyday with this ambition. This is all I've ever thought about and I've never imagined myself doing anything else. My pro debut will be in Mexico in September. It won't be easy but I know my style is more suited to the pro game and I am confident in my abilities. I just want to thank everyone that has supported me throughout my career so far. I am looking forward to having all of you behind me during my Professional Career as well 💛 So let's ditch the vest and head to Mexico 🛩

A post shared by James Power (@power131_) on

“At 17 years old I am very excited to say that I am about to make my dreams of becoming Ireland’s youngest professional boxer in history come true,” Power wrote on Instagram.

Turning pro has been a lifelong goal of mine. Since I was nine years old I’ve been training every day with this ambition. This is all I’ve ever thought about and I’ve never imagined myself doing anything else.

“My pro debut will be in Mexico in September. It won’t be easy but I know my style is more suited to the pro game and I am confident in my abilities.

“I just want to thank everyone that has supported me throughout my career so far. I am looking forward to having all of you behind me during my professional career as well.

“So let’s ditch the vest and head to Mexico.”

Power, who cited weight issues following his defeat to Joyce at the National Stadium last month, is likely to compete in the lightweight division to begin with but is still growing.

He replaces Monaghan’s Golden Boy-promoted Aaron McKenna as Ireland’s youngest pro pugilist.

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