Rogan in line for title shot

8 December 2008 – By Mark Doyle

Promoter Frank Warren has revealed that Martin Rogan is poised for a crack at the European title following his upset win over Audley Harrison in London on Saturday night.

Despite being undefeated, few gave Rogan much chance of defeating former Olympic gold medallist Harrison, but the Belfast heavyweight claimed a fully deserved 96-95 points win after an aggressive display.

Harrisons career has been left in tatters but Rogan, according to Warren, will be granted a shot at the European title if Matt Skelton claims the vacant belt when he meets Paolo Vidoz on December 19.

If Skelton wins, then his first defence will be against Rogan and I would want to bring it to Belfast, the Sports Network boss is quoted as saying by The Mail.

Skelton will come to Belfast so were waiting to see if he wins the title.

It would be a huge fight for Belfast and I know the public there are really behind him hes a very popular guy.

Meanwhile, Rogan, who won the inaugural Prizefighter tournament earlier this year, now believes that anything is possible in the wake of his win over Harrison.

Harrison was told that he was two wins away from a world title fight, starting with the fight with me, but now Im in the mix and when I beat Skelton for the European title why shouldnt I get a world title shot? he asked.

I told everyone that I would do it. I said that I would make it the hardest night of his life and thats what I did.

Now Im ready for anyone. I shocked Harrison with the way I never stopped coming after him.

“Even when he hurt me early on I wasnt taking a backwards step and I could feel the English crowd starting to get on my side was the fight went on.

My career is now in a different league. I cant wait for 2009 and when I fight in Belfast for the European title the place is going to be sold out.

“2008 has been incredible and 2009 is going to be even better. Ive only had 11 fights so there is a lot more to come from me.