JOHN JOE NEVIN believes he’s the man to lead Irish boxing’s next generation.
The Olympic silver medallist fights in Dublin’s 3Arena on Saturday night, his first fight on home soil as a professional.
The undercard for Matthew Macklin’s world title eliminator against Jorge Sebastian Heiland is stacked with domestic talent including the long-awaited grudge match between Anthony Fitzgerald and Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan.
Nevin, who won his first two pro bouts in America, said: “It has always been a dream to box in front of my home fans as a professional. I really cannot wait for Saturday night.
There are some big name boxers in Ireland but they are pushing towards the end of their careers now and I want to be the one to take over Irish boxing.
Patrick Hyland, Ian Tims, Michael Sweeney, Declan Geraghty, Luke Keeler and Tommy McCarthy are also in undercard action on Saturday.
Nevin, who is expected to easily beat British featherweight Jack Heath (3-7), wants to put on a performance that stands out from the crowd.
“As a pro it is more like you are boxing for yourself but I am still representing Ireland as a professional. I feel the pressure of the Irish support and I want to perform for them.
It is amazing to fight in front of the Irish fans. Looking back on the Olympics, it gives me goosebumps to think what the crowd was like. It is an amazing feeling, the Irish are great fans, and I think Saturday night is going to be a great show.
“It is like making my pro debut again because this time it is at home.”
– First published 12.32
