James Power planning more Mexican trips following second fight brawl
Absorbing a few big right hands on the chin means James Power [2(2)-0] is aware this is all real and he no longer has to pinch himself.
However, the 17-year-old Coachford College Leaving Cert student is aware he is in a privileged and rare position, living his dream way earlier than expected.
Although the vaunts to Mexico are not as glamorous as they may seem. the Cork fighter has twice registered wins south of the border and is making his name as a pro before BUI regulations allow him to turn over in Ireland.
Speaking after he registered a second pro win on Sunday night, Power told Irish-Boxing.com that “I don’t pinch myself but I do walk into a few right hands and that wakes me up just fine!”
“Being only 17 years old and already having two professional fights is unbelievable, I am so grateful for all of that, it has been my only goal for so long and having it come true is amazing.”
“But I can’t take the credit for it, my family, friends and entire team are the reason I can do all this. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.”
Power was initially due to box on Saturday in a bullring but logistical problems would mean that he ended up fighting on Sunday in the Ranco Grande Bar. This change also meant a change in opponent and, instead of a journeyman, he faced ambitious debutant Saul Victoria.
His opponent, only a year older than him, flew out of the blocks and a tear-up ensued but Power managed to get on top and score a second round stoppage win.
Looking back on the win, the Rebel admitted that “the fight itself was pretty even for the opening couple of minutes.”
“I was in against an opponent who hit very hard, I stood toe to toe with him at the beginning but after a while I took over, pushed him back, and, thankfully, I got the job done early again.”
“The fight itself was similar to last time, the venue was pretty much the same as the Rancho Grande and the crowd were great once again.”
Following an impressive debut last time, a few Irish had made the trip to see Power who was also cheered on by Dylan Moran and Vlad Belujsky who had scored wins the previous night.
The teenager, who was walked to the ring by super middleweight contender J’Leon Love who happened to be in attendance, recalled how “there were Irish flags displayed proudly in the crowd by my Irish supporters who travelled to Tijuana just to see me. That was absolutely incredible and that support means the world to me.”
“I had Vladimir Belujsky and Dylan Moran roaring at ringside as well, it was great having the two lads there to hang out with for the few days. You couldn’t meet two nicer fellas.”
“It was a lot more enjoyable having Andy and them there this time and I felt more at home because of them.”
“But just like last time my main support has come from back home, everyone was awake waiting for the result of my fight and everytime I posted something on social media my phone filled with positive messages. It was really nice knowing I had the backing of everyone back in Ireland.”
Power wants to head to Mexico again soon as the Leesider cannot box in Ireland until he turns 18 next April.
With full-time schooling and the Leaving Cert next June being the priority, holiday periods will be targeted and he revealed that “there is definitely one more fight date set but I’m looking for another. Both of my professional fights have ended quickly and I’d like to get as much experience as I can.”
“But I’m easygoing and I’m taking everything as it comes,” added the grounded youngster who took time to thank his team.
“I just want to thank Declan [Geraghty Snr, coach] for coming over with me once again. He had me well prepared for the fight and we got the win as planned.”
“I want to give a big thank you to [advisor] Andy O’Neill who looked after me like a brother the whole trip. The man is a legend and it’s fair to say that without him the trip would have been boring enough. He just provided a great atmosphere the whole time and I hope to have him coming with me on a lot more trips.
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