‘I’m the Champ’ – Cronin DRAW-ing a line under Morrissey rivalry – out lines next move
Forget 1999 Kevin Cronin is going to party like he did actually win the belt that was on the line.
‘The Kingdom Warrior’ came agonisingly close to making history by becoming the first ever Kerry man to buckle a professional Irish title around his waist in Salthill on Friday night.
Cronin and Limerick counterpart Jamie Morrissey served up a second helping of blood and guts back and forth action when they challenged for the Irish light heavyweight title on the Galway rising card.
There was neither repeat nor revenge in the rematch as it was scored a 96-94, 96-95, 95-95 draw, meaning the title hasn’t found a new home.
However, Cronin remains adamant he won the 10 round battle, has declared himself the champion and will enter the pubs of Kerry tonight as if the green strap was draped over his shoulder.
“Tonight we will head out and celebrate after all I am already the light heavyweight champion,” said Cronin.
The popular battler, who has now been in two Fight of the Year contenders before April has ended, was visible distraught and annoyed immediately after the Conlan Boxing promoted clash but was a little more upbeat the day after.
The Munster fighter was trying to take a bright side approach and believes his performance will open doors for him moving forward.
“Although I should have been awarded the win, [the fight] has also opened so many doors for my career. There will be huge nights ahead.”
A defeat and a draw from two fights against Morrissey paves the way for a trilogy encouther and a huge rubber match.
Although the 26-year-old has other ideas and has super middleweight aspirations.
“It’s time to take over the super middleweight division. Time to rest up and come back at super middleweight. If I’m doing what I’ve done at light heavy I cannot wait to see what I do at super middle.”
