Coach Fitzpatrick pays tribute to retired O’Kane

Paddy Fitzpatrick admits to having dust-ups with the recently retired Eamonn O’Kane while the pair worked together.

Not because the Derry favourite was hard to work with, but because he wanted to work too hard.

Fitzpatrick, who looks after Irish title hopefuls Luke Watkins and Garvey Kelly, claims the former Irish Champion and Prizefighter winner was as dedicated as they come.

The Swindon-based Clare man admits he is gutted to see such a character leave the gym and retire, but claims he is happy for the all-action fighter.

“When we finished our conversation, Eamonn said to me ‘Can I still call you coach? I don’t feel right calling you Paddy.’,” Fitzpatrick told the Swindon Advertiser.

“He was great to have around the place. We had a number of arguments because all he wanted to do was train – I had to kick him out the gym.”

“I’m gutted that he is retiring, but I’m happy for him. He is moving on to the next chapter. He has got another child on the way this summer.”

“Duke [Luke Watkins] is the consummate professional, but even he couldn’t believe the dedication of Eamonn,” Fitzpatrick continued.

Fitzpatrick also confirmed plans were in place for an all-Irish clash with Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan.

“Before Eamonn retired, there was talk about him fighting [Gary] Spike O’Sullivan.

“That would have been a great fight for Ireland. It would have got the winner back in the mix.Spike was interested. His trainer Packie [Pascal Collins] wanted it and Eddie Hearn wanted to put it on.”

“Then Eamonn got injured in February and that is when we first talked about retirement.”

“That last fight against Tureano Johnson took so much out of him. He spoke with his family and retiring was a difficult decision for him to make.”