Anthony Fitzgerald talks straighter and with more venom than he punches on occasion and usually without remorse.

The former Irish champion has never been shy about calling it as he see’s it when talking to the press or indeed stirring up some trouble.

However, he admits verbally lashing out at the referee in his last fight was the wrong to do and hints it may have cost him.

‘The Pride’ suffered surprise reverse to journey man Adam Jones last September and it cost him a title shot on the upcoming Clash of the Clans February 6 card.

The 30 year old Dublin fighter, who fights Sam Wall in the National Stadium next month, had no excuses after his previous seven defeats, but he believes he shouldn’t have taken the Jones clash.

“Anyone that knows me knows I am not one for excuses but If I am honest I shouldn’t have taken that fight,” Fitzgerald told Irish-boxing.com.

“I had a lot going on at the time. I had some  family stuff playing on my mind and I shouldn’t have taken the fight.

“Then during the fight I let the ref get in on me and I became frustrated. I go so frustrated I called him a prick. I shouldn’t have done that. I know it was wrong, but it was all just heat of the moment stuff. Look defeats happen in boxing and now I have to focus on getting the win on February 6 and giving my fans something to celebrate. These tings happen and you move one.”

‘Fitzy’, who can boast to have brought former World champions Andy Lee and Hassan N’Dam the distance, is an Inner City lad, but most would argue Crumlin is his boxing home.

After stints training in Marbella the MGM puncher is back in Crumlin BC having teamed back up with the coach who he enjoyed the lion share of his success under, Phil Sutcliffe.

Sutcliffe told Irish-boxing.com he plans on ensuring Fitzgerald boxes rather than brawls and the former Irish super middleweight title holder says he will do what he is told.

” I found it very hard being away from home. I was away from my kids and family for long stints and it didn’t suit me. So I gave Phil a ring to see if he was interested in training me again and we went from there. I have settled straight back in and I am working hard.

“Well Phil is the boss if he wants me to box i have to. It is as simple as that,” Fitzgerald added when asked about what style he would adopt.