‘Different animal’ – Emmet Brennan confident of becoming two weight Elite champ

Emmet Brennan warns he is a different animal now that he has moved up to light heavyweight.

The Dockland’s fighter couldn’t be happier to have put on a few pounds and believes a move up in the scales gives him a massive chance to become National Elite Senior Champion again.

The Dubliner is a former middleweight Irish champion and was a beaten finalist at that weight back in February. He has since moved from 75kg to 81kg’s for the pre Olympic qualifier version of the domestic tournament.

Some may argue, that with such as deep pool of talent in the light heavy division, it was a brave move, but Brennan is adamant it was the right one, arguing not having to focus on weight allowed him to improve all aspects of his game.

“I’ve moved up from 75kg and been the best decision I’ve made,” he told irish-boxing.com.

“I’m different animal at 81kg, punching a lot harder, moving a lot better, concentration levels are higher. I’m concentrating on boxing training now rather than constantly watching my weight. I’ve improved ten folds since moving up.”

Brennan did impress during his major 81kg debut. He defeated Paul McCullagh, who knocked out last years semi finalist Tommy Hyde in the quarters, to progress to the final.

The 2017 middleweight champ claims the victory was expected and claimed the fight went to plan.

“I’m content on been in the final but it’s exactly what I expected as I trained for one outcome and that’s to be the champion,” he adds.

“I’ve only had the one fight which is disappointing. I would have preferred to get a few fights under my belt, but I stuck to the game plan very well against a dangerous opponent and showed my experience to get win in good fashion. I was happy with my defence and shot selection. The fight went exactly how I had planned.”

It’s confident for the third time and two weight National Elite finalist, but not cocky. The entertaining and often straight talking amateur points out his self belief comes from the faith he has in his preparation.

“I get my confidence from leaving no stone unturned from applying myself to the sport 100% everyday. The last few years I’ve been training full time but recently I quit work to focus 100% on boxing. That’s where I get my confidence from waking up every day living the life of an athlete.

“I know when I go to fight the preparation is done all the hard graft is finished, now all I have to do is put it together and perform.”

The Dub now faces reigning champion Thomas O’Toole in Friday’s decider and will need a performance to defeat the Celtic Eagles operator.

Brennan is sure he can produce that performance and stresses his destiny is in his own hands.

The always self assured fighter respects his foe, but believes he is nine controlled minutes away from being a champion again.

“I respect everyone I fight he’s a good lad. but this is about what I do. It’s what I do that wins me fights not about what he does. Me and my coaches will come up with a gameplan, execute it and win the Elite title.

“There’s always respect at the end of the day we all work hard to get here, but I believe I will win. I’m fully focused and confident of getting the job done. It’s by no means an easy task but I’m more than capable.”

Since the departure of Joe Ward to the pro game there is an Olympic qualifier place up for grabs at light heavy.

Arguments with regard to who should be handed it are varied with some suggesting young talent Kane Tucker is in pole, some believing Tommy Hyde should be considering, otfhers suggesting Tony Browne has earned the chance, while McCullagh maybe also be in the frame.

The winner of Friday’s final will argue they are the man at the populated weight.

Brennan most definitely win and he points out that has been his goal since he left his job.

“100% that’s always been the goal since I’ve gone full time, I’ve lost a serious amount of money for this sport. I’ve taken a loan out of the Credit Union to fund my training and also got a company to sponsor me. I wouldn’t put myself under this amount of financial stress just to box – the goal is Tokyo and I’m doing everything possible to get myself there.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)