Chris Blaney feeling “more than ready” ahead of title tilt
Chris Blaney [8(3)-0] is arguably the best progressed prospect in Ireland at the moment.
The pro scene has been flooded in Ireland recently and Meath super middleweight Blaney offers the perfect example on how to move along a new talent.
Following five four-rounders he moved up to six rounds and was given great tests by game journeymen Darryl Sharp, Christian Hoskin Gomez, and Anthony Fox. Now with his record sitting pretty and with valuable experience in the bank, the Ricky Hatton-trained Blaney steps up to eight rounds to fight for the BUI Celtic title.
‘The Ginger Ninja’ fights Basque brawler Matiouze Royer [17(4)-30(5)-6] on the Red Corner Promotions ‘Champions Elect’ bill at the National Stadium in Dublin this Saturday and feels ready for the step-up
Looking back over the past six months, Blaney explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “it’s exactly what I wanted, three hard six-rounders before I went for a title.”
“I think it has me ready for Saturday. Last week I sparred 10 hard rounds with two top lads, Mark Heffron and Dale Coyne, so I should be more than ready.”
“He [Royer] is a tough cookie always in your face, but Rick and the team have a plan and hopefully it works out Saturday night.”
Of course, building a record against tough journeymen who come to win is a risk – and Blaney had to really dig deep to come through against Fox last month.
The Navan boxer though notes that there were extenuating circumstances that night, and is promising to look better than ever on Saturday.
“I wasn’t happy with my last performance,” admitted Blaney who noted that he “felt drained because of the weigh in three hours earlier.”
“I’ve trained hard in this camp and I’m on my weight and made it easy. With the day before weigh in it should bring out my best performance.
In terms of fighting in his first eight rounder, three high-paced sixes have Blaney feeling ready and he described how “I think it will suit my style, I’m looking forward to see how I perform over the eight.”
While the BUI Celtic title may be seen as another step on the ladder for Blaney, he can’t help but notice that things are different for this fight.
The Manchester-based pro explained how “there definitely is more buzz around the gym and from the fans but I try not to think about it too much.”
“I don’t want to get over excited, in my head it’s just another fight and a fight I have to win! The belt is a bonus.”
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
