Dennis Hogan: It is very important I make a big impression in the Big Apple

DENNIS Hogan believes a big Big Apple performance this Thursday night will help secure the ‘big’ fights he craves.

Having taken Australia by storm winning State, National and Continental titles, ‘The Hurricane’ is now ready blow American fight fans away.

The Kildare native makes his Stateside debut against Jose Berrio 21-6 in New York on Thursday night and claims a good performance can open doors to the big stage.

Such is the opportunity the Hogan claims he won’t let slip through his gloved hands.

“I am excited to be here and to be getting the opportunity to showcase my ability on what seems to be the biggest stage for boxing, America.

“A good performance here sets me up for bigger fights so it’s a real feeling that this is my chance now and I’m going to give it everything to grab it with both hands,” The Australian champion told Irish-boxing.com.

“This is very important I make an impact here as there is where all the big fights are and that’s what I’m in this game to achieve is the big fights and titles.”

Having left Ireland and worked his way to the top Down Under traveling doesn’t seem to an issue for the world ranked light middleweight. It’s even less of an issue when your an Irish man fighting in America. Like Jason Quigley and Michael McLaughlin discovered last month the East Coast can prove to be a home away from home.

“The support here has been great so far. There are a good few Irish here and Americans and Irish American’s are getting behind me. I also have people flying from Ireland and Australian so it feels like a home ground fight for me. I’m very grateful to everyone for helping create that home support.”

Hogan would be deemed favourite ahead of his fight with the 39 year old, who has lost five of his last six clashes. However Colombian has shared the ring with some top class operators and is probably the most talented operator the Kildare man has faced to date.

Hogan will not contemplate Berrio slide talk and believes he faces a fighter that is coming to win.

“I know my opponent is coming to win this fight. He’ has only lost to the very best so with that in mind I feel it’s a big step up for me and I’ll be taking this guy more serious than any of the my previous pro career opponents.”

Hogan has a big following in Oz, but if he impresses on Thursday he could be fighting in America more often and could even train Stateside if big fights emerge.

“I have done this trip extremely well I’m terms of jet lag and keeping the body good so travelling here won’t be an issue for big fights. We will be eyeing training camps here in the future for big fights,” he added before taking time to share a thank you to his support.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to all the people travelling to this fight and everyone on social media wishing me well.  It’s overwhelming the support so far and I believe I will be giving everyone a big thank you present on Thursday night.”