Heavyweight Thomas Carty reveals why he turned down pro offers to stay amateur
Thomas Carty has knocked back pro advances because he feels he has unfinished amateur business.
The confident super-heavyweight has been earmarked for success for some time now, but hasn’t fully delivered on that amateur promise.
Carty was backed in some quarters to emerge the main man in the bog boy division and as a result be Ireland’s Olympic hope.
However, the Dubliner lost to Athlone’s Kenneth Okungbowa in the semi finals of the National Elites.
Long reigning #1 Dean ‘Breakfast’ Gardiner was then chosen to represent Ireland in the European Olympic qualifying leg and some wondered if Carty would ditch the vest.
Speaking to Irish-boxing.com over the weekend the talented prospect revealed there have been pro offers, but the Crumlin BC fighter can’t turn over just yet.
Carty feels he has unfinished business with the amateurs and couldn’t leave the three round game without being crowned National Elite Champion at least once.
” It’s is a tough decision,” he replied when asked by Irish-boxing.com whether he was turning or over not.
“I know i can do so much in the amateur game. I, along with other highly touted boxing people know what potential I have. If i was to die tomorrow my biggest regret would be not having a Senior title, so I am coming for the next title. I hope everyone enters and everyone is at their best because I know I’ll be bringing the best Thomas Carty yet.”
If the best Thomas Carty does turn up and win the next National Elite installment there could be a chance of being selected for the World Olympic Qualifiers.
Gardener may have already filled the slot with success in the European qualifiers, but if a spot in Tokyo isn’t secured Carty wants in.
“I know that if i perform to my best I can’t be denied or at least push myself into contention [for the qualifiers]. My dream is to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and as far as I’m concerned that dream is still well and truly alive, regardless of anyone else’s opinion.”
If the Olympic’s had of gone ahead this summer, fighters in Carty’s position would more than likely be exploring pro options right now.
The Dublin big man confirms ditching the vest had crossed his mind and offers have come in.
Indeed he suggests if the right contract was put on the table he may consider forgoing the Olympic dream.
“There has been a lot of contact in that regard from a couple of different promotional outfits. Heavyweight boxing is booming and I think I have potential to mix it with the best of them further down the line.
“I am young for a heavyweight. Should an offer come my way that I really like the sound of it’d be hard not to say yes. I was also contacted for sparring for Chisoras next fight vs Usyk before coronavirus so hopefully that fight gets announced soon and I can get back sparring and mixing it with the best of them. That will be a great guideline to see where I’m at.
“Turning over is certainly something that I would have to consider very seriously. I’m a young Irish skillful, big punching heavyweight. I know I have a lot of people that would support me and follow me on my pro career. I have thought about it and spoke about it at length. Its a very tough decision to make. I don’t need to make any decision soon thankfully as this whole covid 19 has put 2020 on hold. So its looking like 2021 before anything is back up running solid again.”
As stated there is growing hype around Carty, particularly within boxing circles. He is young, marketable and according to those with the experience to judge talented.
Still it is strange he has yet to win a National Elite title, although he has come close.
It’s obviously something that rankles, but he claims he has altered things of late to ensure success will come.
“At the moment its a strange feeling. I feel like a veteran at 24 years of age but in terms of age for a heavyweight I know I am only beginning. I have seen changes in myself over the past 1-6 months, I am only now starting to take this game very very seriously.”
