“None of it was easy but it was well worth it’ – Wayne Kenny delights after finally punching for pay
Wayne Kenny claims the years of hurt were more than made up for when he finally made his debut earlier this month.
The Darndale light welterweight ‘turned pro’ in 2017, training under Declan Geraghty Sr, but saw two debut dates fall through and he had to bide his time before eventually getting into the pro ring.
At the not so tender age of 34 and having suffered set backs galore the former Edenmore amateur and semi-pro competitor finally punched for pay in Scotland on October 6.
Kenny was one of three debutants on a Darren Tetley topped Sam Kynoch show, which played out at the Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley, Scotland – and he registered victory.
The new to the game but not so fresh faced operator beat Gary McGuire over four rounds by a 39-38 scorecard on the same night as Joe Ward endured a torrid pay bow.
The fighter was overjoyed to get into the ring and even more content he managed to secure victory.
Indeed, speaking to Irish-boxing.com in a the aftermath of the win he claimed having the experience was worth all the pain.
“I’m just glad I fulfilled [me dream]. I boxed for long time and I quit boxing few years years back. I was coaching in local club, staying involved and I have come late into pros. I was meant to go pro two years previous, but my debut never came.
“I’ve being waiting years to debut, but I just kept training. I just knew I’d debut even as clock was ticking I kept believing.”
“It wasn’t easy to keep it together, training and hoping you get clean run at boxing. It’s an expensive sport. To be honest none of it was easy but it was well worth it.
“It meant a lot to get in there and fight. I was chuffed to get pro career started and to start it with a win. I just had a lot of bad luck.”
Reflecting on the fight Kenny recalled, “I felt fight went ok, he ran a lot, so I was chasing him for four rounds. Still I was happy enough with my performance. He came in at 152lbs and I weighted 145lbs but I’ll definitely fight at lightweight. I’ll be a lot lighter in the next one and I should carry more power. I debuted basically two weights heavier so I am happy I got the win.”
The wait for a second fight won’t be anywhere near as long as the wait for the debut.
Kenny is back out in Scotland in January and suggests a victory could move him closer to some form of title fight.
“I am back out in January. and another win or two I could get a chance to fight for Scotland version of Celtic title.”
