Smooth Jamie Douglas sails through pro debut
Few fighters have been more excited or delighted to make their professional debut but Jamie Douglas had the experience to enjoy his.
A boxer’s first pro fight can sometimes be a whirlwind of emotion, a blur which sees them rush and underperform. Douglas, however, was able to take the whole occasion in his stride and savour every single second.
The Lurgan super featherweight debuted on the ‘Celtic Clash 8’ bill in Belfast at the weekend.
Taking on Kieran Holman, Douglas landed with every shot in the book, patiently breaking down and dominating his English opponent before eventually forcing the stoppage in the third round.
It was slick and smooth by the rangy Ulsterman who told Irish-Boxing.com afterwards that “it was brilliant, I loved every minute of it.”
“It was the best feeling in the world.”
While it was his first time experiencing the buzz of pro boxing, Douglas was somewhat adjusted to the experience.
A decent amateur, the young fighter also dipped his toe into the busy semi-pro scene up North last year.
Douglas credits the venture with having helped him deal with his big night.
He outlined how “it did [help] with regards to having no headgear but, obviously, when I finished up amateur I had boxed a few Senior fights without headgear. But those extra few fights in the semi-pros with no headgear and lighter gloves made all the difference.”
“The amateur boxing would be a better quality but the semi-pros gets more of a crowd – but it was nothing like tonight!”
One of a host of new Ulster fighters turning over with Boxing Ireland Promotions, there looks set to be plenty of opportunities for the stylish Douglas going forward.
He has history with Kelvin McDonald – whom he shared a good-natured post-fight chat with – from the semi pros while the ‘Celtic Clash’ series is home to a number of other super featherweights.
Douglas, though, is keeping as calm and cool outside the ring as he is inside it and described how “I’m just trying my best to learn the game. I still have loads to do, loads to improve on.”
“I’ll take a wee week off but then I’ll be straight back into it, I’ll see what Leonard [Gunning], Stephen [Sharpe], and Dennis [Morrison] have next for me. Whatever they say is next is good.”
