Rogan decides Prizefighter not for him

30 March 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Martin Rogan has pulled out of the forthcoming International Prizefighter contest, but has promised to be back in regular action in Belfast very soon. The former Commonwealth heavyweight champion had initially agreed to take part in the first international version of a tournament that launched his career, but has since withdrawn citing a lack of time to prepare.

The inaugural Prizefighter winner, who is two fights into a comeback from a neck operation, believes the four week lead-in time would not allow him to do himself justice in the quick fire contest. The Iron Man stressed he didnt want to cheat himself in to thinking he could take a short to victory and was wary of letting down his loyal following.

However, the 39-year-old is adamant he still has a future in the ring. The entertainer expects to be back pleasing crowds with a home town performance in late May or early June.

I would like to thank Matchroom for giving me the chance to take part in Prizefighter again, but the timing is not right for me. When I received the call I was naturally excited and jumped at the invitation. But my heart sank hours later when I realised the preparation time was much less than what would be expected before a big fight, Rogan explained.

Make no mistake about it, Prizefighter is not an easy touch and it is a platform that can make or break a fighter. I would be in it to win it, no second measure would do. I simply could not cheat myself into believing I could win it without the right preparation. At the same time I would not be happy to see fans and family travel over to London when I am not fully prepared to go hell for leather and bring the title home.

I am now back in full-time training but it is with the aim of fighting in Belfast in late May or early June. Its high time I was fighting in Belfast on a regular basis but I will bring something new to fight fans much more than a boxing show. I am excited about the future.