World champ Doheny pays tribute to amateur coach during Portlaoise homecoming

TJ Doheny has been as humble a champion as you can get.

Since ‘The Power’ claimed the IBF Super Bantamweight world title with a brilliant victory over Ryosuke Iwasa in Tokyo he has been keen to highlight those crucial to his success.

Post becoming Ireland’s third reigning world champ in August with only the second ever world title win for an Irish or British fighter in Japan Doheny heaped praise on those who showed faith over the years.

The 31-year-old reserved special mention for coach Tony Del Vecchio, but thank his team, family and friends. 

Upon returning to Portlaoise to a hero’s welcome last Friday night the former Portlaoise BC talent took time to express his gratitude to his former amateur coach Pat Ryan.

After triumphant homecoming and hero’s welcome in his home town the 31 year old world champ claimed without the influence of Ryan he may never have got the chance to come home with a world title buckled around his waist. 

“Pat is like a father figure to all the fighters and he has touched a lot of lives in this town. Not only in boxing, but in all sports and all areas. He is a real town man and has touched and changed so many peoples lives. I think wihtout Pat I would never be in this position. It’s great to comeback and celebrate with him,” the Sydney-based fighter told Midlands Radio.