New heavyweight pro Paddy Nevin believes he is the fastest big man in Ireland

Irish boxing welcomes a new big man to the scene in the National Basketball Arena tonight but Paddy Nevin claims he brings qualities not always associated with the heavier end of boxing.

The Irish title-keen debutant feels he is the best domestically in terms of movement, speed, and even jab, and is confident that his skillset could lead him to domestic glory if given the chance.

Ireland’s other ranked heavyweights are at different stages of their careers and in truth – with Con Sheehan inactive, Naill Kennedy targeting a Top 10 ranking and Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner unable to fight in the Republic of Ireland due to the fact he is signed to MTK – an Irish title fight looks hard to make.

However, that hasn’t stopped Nevin targeting domestic glory and he hopes to buckle the green strap around his waist.

“I reckon I’d be one the fastest heavyweights. I think I’d definitely be the fastest in Ireland and I have the best jab. In my opinion I have the best movement too, with a great jab and like any big man I have power,” Nevin told Irish-Boxing.com

“I am confident I could dominate domestically if those fights can be made.”

“I would really like to win the Irish title and I’d like to do that quick. They would be tough fights, but if they can be made they would be entertaining fights.”

The Steven O’Rourke-trained fighter is one of five debutants on the ‘Rise Again’ card and is hoping to impress Irish fans on the stacked card.

“I hope to entertain, people love a heavyweight. I haven’t fought since June and it’s my first fight so you have to take that into account but I want to deliver a good performance.” 

“I feel really good. I have been training hard for this fight with Steven and I am feeling fitter. I had a good camp and was sparring in Paschal’s with Niall Kennedy and I was happy with how that went,” he added before explaining why he has elected to turn over.

“I gave the Elites another go in February and after that I said I’d give the Harringey Cup a shot. I lost in that by some fella called Delicious. I really thought I won that fight, but he got the decision I got sick of the amateur stuff then and said I’d give the pros a go.”