Ireland’s only Continental King, Doheny happy to defend his belt for now
TJ Doheny is happy to remain a Continental fighter for the moment and claims his March 15 PABA super bantamweight title defence will be one of many title defences.
The Australian based Portlaois native is World title eligible after securing the Continental strap last year, but having bypassed both Regional and National level by claiming a title former Bernard Dunne former foe Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym used as a springboard to World title success in just sixth fight, Doheny rightly claims is best not to get ahead of himself.
The 27 year old, who holds an amateur win over Carl Frampton, knows he needs to bank some rounds before progressing up the levels. However, he is adamant he a capable Continental champion and Ireland’s only current Continental ring king is ready to take on all challengers starting in New South Wales on St Patrick’s weekend.
“To be honest it hadn’t dawned on me that I was the only continental champ but it’s nice to know. It’s not that I’m in a strange place (as a Continental champion and novice pro) but I definitely did skip the queue a bit. However, I feel that I’m good enough to mix it up at this level so why not? I’m learning a lot more this way and also a lot faster too,” Doheny told Irish-boxing.com
“I’m going to have to step up at some stage so no point in wasting time. The next step up would be world level I suppose but as I said I’m happy to be where I am. I’ll just keep defending my title and pick up experience over the longer distance. Who knows maybe a few similar titles along the way before I think about stepping up again.”
Doheny’s March 15 defence, on the same card as Tony Senior and Tony Bates bouts, is his first this year and he is looking forward to getting back into the ring.
“I am feeling good going into this fight. I had a nice little break over the Christmas and I am glad to be back. Getting on this all Irish card will give me a bit more exposure to Sydney’s Irish community, which is also a positive.”
