‘I just can’t believe how stupid I was’ – Webb reacts to Fitzpatrick defeat
Stephen Webb [1-1(1)] believes he was ‘stupid’ to agree to fight Joe Fitzpatrick [9(6)-0] on the Celtic Clash 8 card last week.
The Divis fighter headlined as the Boxing Ireland series returned to Belfast since it’s first installment back 2013 and was defeated by near neighbour Joe Fitzpatrick.
It was the second time ‘The Spider’ agreed to the clash – it was initially postponed – and he spoke confidently throughout the build up.
Still there were some questioning as to why he took a fight with a former Commonwealth Games medalist with more pro experience with just a debut under his belt- and it now seems Webb agrees.
The southpaw claims bravado rather than common sense was the defining factor in his decision to sign the contract and making a choice that could have ruined his career.
“Looking back at the fight now I just can’t believe how stupid I was taking the fight,” a frank Webb told Irish-boxing.com.
“It was more so just proving to people that I wasn’t scared to face high class opposition! Which was stupid and can ruin careers!”
While such defeats can have negative effects on young fighters careers, Webb claims he will be able to rebuild.
“Luckily for me I can now go away and rebuild myself and come back stronger.”
What that route back will be, the lightweight hasn’t really thought too much about, but he is determined to fight on.
He points out there has been talk of other domestic fights, but he would prefer some learning bouts first.
“Since the fight I’ve honestly tried not thinking about boxing. I’m just enjoy my break and my holiday at the minute. I will be back to the gym next week again and get back to it.
“(Martin) Quinn’s name has been dropped a few times, he’s a nice fella I was talking to him at the Clash of the Titans press conference and he actually told me he wanted the fight with me. But in September I’ll be back with a handy opponent and then we will take it from there. I’ll not be jumping into big fights again without thinking about it properly this time,” he adds before claiming he expected a fighter he sparred to be as good as he was.
“It didn’t surprise me how good he was, I knew he was gonna be good and he done everything I expected him to do to be honest.”
Before the clash the now John Breen trained fighter was adamant he couldn’t be stopped- and with time to reflect he believes mistakes made pre fight may have resulted in the manner of the defeat.
“In the changing room and during the warm up I was way too relaxed. Then when the first bell went my body had no energy. I’m not saying this as an excuse but I lost way too much weight before the fight.”
The prolonged build up was to the fight was somewhat tense and even bad blood on occasion, but Webb reveals all wounds were healed post the 2 round affair.
“Me and Fitzy are all good. We had a chat in the changing room after the fight. He was happy that I came to fight and didn’t just try to survive – after it he even asked me to go for a pint too.”
