Cruise targets Irish title and says he has beating of Fitzgerald, Keeler and McDonagh

DARREN Cruise will be a name on the lips of Irish boxing fans in 2015, according to the former Irish amateur himself.

The 24 year old claims he is somewhat of a forgotten man in Irish boxing, but is ready to refresh peoples memories with a sterling 12 months.

The Rosscomon native suffered three consecutive defeats, two of which he contests, before taking a sabbatical to join the army, and as such fell of the radar.

However he has returned with three straight wins in latter 2014 and is targeting big fights in 2015.

Luke Keeler, JJ McDonagh and even Anthony Fitzgerald are on his wish list as is an Irish title.

“The plan for 2015 is to win an Irish title, that’s the goal be it at middleweight or super middleweight,” Cruise told Irish-boxing.com.

“I really believe it is going to be a good year for me. I’d like to fight the likes of Anthony Fitzgerald, Luke Leeler and JJ McDonagh, but only if it’s for a title and I can promise that none of those lads would beat me now.”

“People may have forgotten about me but that’s through no fault of my own. The shows just haven’t been happening. People also forget I’m a seven times Connaught champion, four times Irish champion, European silver medalist and I fought for Ireland 30 times. So the pedigree is there and I am going to show it this year.”

Cruise kick starts the year against journey man Iain Jackson in Belfast on February 7 were a fight in which he plans to showcase his talents.

The Jackson fight will also be Cruises first with new trainer Pawel Popko.

I’m now going to show my pedigree and capabilities on the February 7. I am fighting Ian Jackson from England. He is a tough journeyman and a good fight at this stage. I’ve a new coach in Pawel Popko where I train in Galway. The training has been unbelievable and I plan to show the benefits.”