Sligo Rising – Aaron Gethins believes homecoming is imminent

The Devenish has been a good hunting ground for Sligo boxers, but there is no place like home and Aaron Gethins believes there is an increasing chance of a homecoming in 2020.

The impressive young Connacht talent fights for the third time since turning over and the second time in a venue his coach Stephen Reynolds registered legendary small hall victory on the first ever Celtic Clash – and this time he isn’t the only Sligo native on the show.

The welterweight is joined by debutant and amateur clubmate James Lynch on the stacked card and believes the presence of his fellow Yeats County man on the scene can only help bring a pro show to Sligo for the first time in over 100 years. It also helps that Boxing Ireland’s Leonard Gunning also hails from the area and there have been positive sounds regarding early enquiries.

“I believe James fighting does make it more likely we can fight in Sligo, as well as having a Sligo born promoter. There’s plenty of reason now to bring the show back home for the three of us – and I know it will sell out,” Gethins told Irish-Boxing.com before revealing having another Sligo pro on the scene has other benefits.

“Not all the training we do is together but that little bits we do together I do enjoy and it’s also great to have another sparring partner to help prepare during the week here at home rather than constantly traveling.”

Gethins claims he goes into tonight’s clash somewhat blind in terms of opponent, but is predicting a step up performance.

“Things haven’t been great with the opponent this time round. There’s been a lot of shifting and swapping and I wasn’t certain on who I was fighting in the Devenish.”

Alexander Zeledon will be the man in the opposite corner and he, Gethins predicts, will be facing an improved fighter on Celtic Clash 9 tonight.

“I’m looking to improve the quality of my punches and the impact they make rather than throwing punches for the sake of it. Throw them to hurt and to land,” promised the Ballinacarrow boxer before further outlining what fans can expect.

“Fan can expect a hell of a show with some great fighters who no doubt will give it their all , they will witness another debut of another Sligo fighter hitting the pro scenes as well as a step up along my career.”

“I highly appreciate the support they give me,” added the notable ticket seller.

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