The long goodbye – Driven Clancy plays down retirement rumour ahead of title fight

Gearoid Clancy [10(2)-6(1)] claims he goes into what is rumoured to be his last fight more excited and motivated than he did his first. 

The Sydney-based Galway light welter goes into the Lions Den and fights local favourite Blake Minto for the vacant IBO Asia Pacific title in Newcastle, Australia on Saturday morning.

There have been suggestions that the title fight may be the ever-game 34-year-ol’ds last. Indeed, some members of his team have stated as much online, but Clancy is adamant he has made no decision either way.

Oughterard’s two-weight New South Wales champion claims his focus is soley upsetting the odds and the locals this weekend and becoming a champion.

“This fight is not about retirement for me it’s about getting the win and the IBO Oriental Strap. I’m as hungry if not hungrier as I was for my first fight,” Clancy told Irish-Boxing.com.

“There has been talks of me retiring for a while but I didn’t announce it my team did. I’ll be fighting like it’s my first fight.”

“This fight is important to me and I don’t people thinking I took a title fight to retire on. If I was to retire it’s nothing to do with not believing I can’t compete or because I have lost passion. I’ll explain more after the fight.” 

The New South Wales lightweight champion and recent Australian champ, who has always wanted to fight in Ireland and came close to agreeing an Irish title fight with Paul Hyland some years ago, is in confident mood going in against the 26-year-old.

‘The Galway Assassin’ is aware of Minto’s talents, but is adamant this Saturday will play out on his terms.

“Blake Minto is a good opponent, but this is all about me. Once I show up I Know I’ll out box him. We’ve done or homework.”

Clancy knows he is the away fighter but warns that, while his fans might be outnumbered but the won’t be out sung once the fight begins.

“I’m going into the Lion’s Den, but I have a big Irish following over here. That support follows me everywhere so you never get that Lion’s Den feel.”

“It’s just the way it is over here. We’re Irish and we will always be the away fighter as long as you’re fighting a Sydney lad, but I always said 100 Irish will make more noise than 500 Australian fans.”