Considering the size of Big Con Sheehan it’s hard to imagine he ever had to take baby steps – and while he isn’t planing to take massive heavyweight strides over the coming year, the Tipp big man is maintaining his no-small-step approach to fighting life.

The Gary Hyde-managed fighter, who makes his pro debut in California against tough opposition in Jonathan Rice on January 19th, not only wants to be a name in an increasingly exciting heavyweight division in two years time, he wants to be a feared fighter by the time he is deemed a contender.

Sheehan believes that the big man landscape is changing for the better since former Irish champion Tyson Fury found the code to the vault the Klitschko brothers had the belts safely locked away in.

New names are emerging both in Europe and Stateside and the Virgil Hunter-trained fighter is keen to work his way into the mix.

“You could say things are changing .Now Klitschko hasn’t a lock on the belts, everyone has that belief that its doable again.

“There are a lot of exciting guys coming trough in America and Europe so its looking bright for the heavyweights again.” Sheehan told irish-boxing.com.

“Like i said I think the division has a lot of exciting talent in it at the minute waiting to break through. Hopefully in two years time I’ll be knocking on the door and a big name in the division too, a feared name in the division even.”

News Sheehan, who joins former amateur foes Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner and Niall Kennedy as a recent addition to the Irish heavyweight scene, was turning over broke last year, but we have had to wait nigh on 10 months for his debut.

Initially coach Virgil Hunter, who trains none other than Andre Ward, Amir Khan, and Andre Berto, wanted some time to work with the Clonmel BC graduate, but Sheehan explains that the extended delay was due to fights falling through as well as a desire his team had to wait for the right card.

The six-time Irish amateur champ and former Irish international is keen to get punching for pay, but admits the wait and extra time working along side experienced coach Hunter has proved beneficial.

“I’m delighted to be getting the ball rolling,” he added. “Its been a long time coming, and a long wait for different reasons. Virgil only wants me on big cards, card that will ensure I get exposure and fights fell through over that time too.

“There is no doubt that the extra time with Virgil has helped me. We’ve been trying to improve on different things. We have done lots of work with the lead hand and staying down after throwing shots.I am looking forward to putting that work in practice in the ring.”