John Joe Nevin given Matchroom chance
John Joe Nevin [11(4)-0] has been handed what could be a breakthrough opportunity on what looks set to be a massive night for Irish boxing in America.
It has been confirmed that ‘The Mullingar Shuffler’ will help Matchroom and DAZN attempt to paint Philadelphia green on St Patrick’s Weekend.
The London Olympic silver medallist winner has had a fight at the Liacouras Centre on Saturday 16th March confirmed – pre-empting an announcement from Matchroom’s side for Katie Taylor’s next lightweight title defence and a super featherweight challenge from Jono Carrol.
Gavan Casey of the42.ie had the news officially confirmed to him by Nevin’s manager, Tom Moran.
It won’t be the 29-year-old’s first time on an Eddie Hearn-promoted card, having made his Irish debut on the Return of the Mack bill at the 3Arena in Dublin back in 2014.
It looks likely tht Dubliner Carroll will top the bill challenging for local lad Tevin Farmer’s IBF super featherweight world title and Bray’s Taylor will be hoping for another big fight in one of the chief supports.
Nevin’s fight won’t be anywhere near as high profile, but it is an opportunity for the unique talent to put some spotlight on a stop-start career and a career-toughest test is expected.
Indeed, a fight with a well-known Matchroom name would be welcomed.
The fighter some argue is Ireland’s greatest ever amateur has struggled to gain any real momentum since turning over back in 2014.
Injuries, outside-the-ring issues, and periods of inactivity have hampered the decorated amateur’s progress.
A good win over unbeaten Commonwealth medallist Alex Torres Rynn last year was hoped to be a breakthrough but fight cancellations struck again afterwards. Having extended his unbeaten record with an eight-round tune-up win over Nicaraguan Reynaldo Cajina in December, it is encouraging to see that Nevin will be out as soon as March and on a major card.
St Patrick’s Weekend could be a massive one for Irish boxing with shows proposed at home, Michael Conlan returning to New York, and Murphys Boxing looking likely to be co-operating with Golden Boy on a big bill in Boston card.
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
