Belfast-based Ronnie Clark dismisses Declan Geraghty talk and eyes career progression

Just like they famously needed a bigger boat to take on the shark that was Jaws, Declan Geraghty needs a bigger ranking to take on ‘The Shark’ that is Ronnie Clark claims IBF European super featherweight title holder.

The previous chairman of the ‘who needs him club’ is now seen in a whole new light since he upset Zelfa Barrett to claim the rankings belt live on BoxNation back in February.

The Scot, with strong Belfast links as he is managed by Mark Dunlop and trained by Tony Dunlop, now has a number of fighters looking to take him on in a bid to take his belt.

One such fighter is Dublin’s stylist Geraghty. The southpaw, who this month rematches Jono Carroll in a repeat of their 2014 Irish Fight of the Year, has previously stated an interest in fighting the 33-year-old former British title challenger.

However, ‘The Shark’ claims Geraghty doesn’t bring enough to the table, doesn’t have the ‘ingredients’ to survive against the Dundee native, and the MHD puncher even goes as far as to suggest the Dubliner doesn’t want, it.

“I heard Declan was calling me out. He’s a talented boxer and he’s skilful but he’s just not made of the same ingredients as The Shark,” the colourful boxer with his own personalised ring walk told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I aim to progress in my career and want to fight people who are ranked above me. The same applies with Zelfa ‘The Brown Flash’ Barrett calling me out. I now see why he is called the brown flash,” he added before highlighting the kind of opponent he does want and suggesting he enjoying the position of power.

“[I want] anybody ranked above me. I want to progress in my career. I have always been given no notice fights, not given a fair shake, and now I’m the champion they have to give me notice so there all in trouble.”

“I don’t make excuses for defeats but trust me there is more to come. I’m born to fight, this is fun to me and when it gets hard in there you will see me smiling.”

Victory for Geraghty over Carroll on the June 30th Mick Conlan homecoming undercard may increase the former EU silver medallist’s standing and profile which could tempt Clark into a fight.

Indeed, with Carroll ranked #7 currently with the IBF and Clark yet to crack the Top 15, he would hypothetically fulfil the Scot’s criteria

However, the former champion kickboxer still isn’t sure if Geraghty is as keen as he says.

“When I was over in Marbella Declan wouldn’t even get in the ring to spar with me never mind get in the ring for a fight,” he recalled.

There was talk of late that former Olympian David Oliver Joyce’s team had made contact regarding a possible bout with Clark but that seems to be news to the fighter himself

“I have no idea where that rumour came from. Nobody told me. This is the first I have heard of it.”

“I’m not really up to scratch with who he is or where he is ranked or that but if there is something he can offer me in regards to progression then it will happen,” he added before reiterating his desire for fights that will progress him up the ladder. 

“I am not one for running from anyone and I have worked hard to get where I am. I am the champion and trained all my life for this. As the wise man Peter McDonagh once said, ‘records are for DJs’.”

“I have wins, losses and draws but cream always rises to the top. I am not cocky or arrogant, I have a close circle around me and we will keep working hard and when the fights are made I’ll talk in the ring.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)