Darren Cruise: This is a fresh start and one that will lead to big fights

IT has been a case of Cruise by name but not cruise by nature in terms of Darren Cruise’s pro career to date.

The Castlerea native was earmarked as one of a number of Westerners that could do damage on the domestic scene when he turned over in back in 2010. However, after cruising to 3-0 the fighter, who like Conrad Cummings is know as ‘Dynamite’ lost in Castlebar to Lee Murtagh, a fighter who would eventually go on to claim the Irish title.

Defeats to fellow Irish punchers JJ McDonagh and John Hutchinson followed, the now 24 year old then took a break from the game as he focused on securing a career in the Army.

He ended a nigh on two year sabbatical claiming he had returned with a fitness level and mental approach improved by Army training.

However, his comeback fight was frustratingly cut short and ruled a no contest after a clash of heads with Robbie Long, his fourth successive Irish foe.

The frustrated Westerner went on to sign with Mark Dunlop and is now confident his career can follow a smoother path.

Cruise returns to the ring in Belfast on October 4 and is hoping for regular action in the current capital of Irish boxing as he tries to kick start his career.

“I got in contact with mark we had a chat and I felt that he is going to take me to where I want to go,” Cruise told Irish-boxing.com

“I’m hoping to fight regular from here on in. It is  time now to get more active. I have no problem fighting out of Belfast that is where its all happening at the moment, unfortunetly there are not too many fight nights down south, so I can progress my career there.

“I will be training in Galway where I am based in the army and ill be travelling up to Belfast for sparring and training, I am excited about moving forward now.”

Cruise returns on the Night of Champion at the refurbished Devinish Complex on Saturday October 4. Step one on the comeback trail won’t be the easiest of steps to negotiate however.

He takes on English opposition in Harry Matthews. Matthews was seen as somewhat of a prospect till Belfast fighter Ciaran ‘more than a journey man’ Healy took his unbeaten record back in 2010 and has since morphed into a respected journey man.

He has shared the ring with Chris Eubank Jr and Anthony Fitzgerald amongst others, but has only been stopped once, but Cruise isn’t just confident of the win he has promised a show. Cruise is also adamant a run of wins in 2015 will get him into big fight contention.

“I am fighting Harry Matthews from Leeds in a four rounder.  Everyone knows he is tough. Fitzy fought him in his last fight he has also shared the ring with Chris Eubank Jr, so hes been about and has experience. But I am looking to put in a solid performance and look good beating him. I hope to be out again by Christmas and then get the ball rolling on what im hoping will be a busy 2015.

“This is a fresh start for me under Mark Dunlop and I have no doubt we are going to get big fights my main goal for now is October 4 and getting a good win and we will build from there.”