Ronnie Clark explains surprising David Oliver Joyce fight choice

It’s a “real” fight and that’s why Ronnie Clark [21(10)-4(1)-2] has taken it.

Having upset the previously undefeated Zelfa Barrett in February to claim the IBF super featherweight European title, the Scot with strong Belfast connections finds himself in a real position of power.

There are plenty of Shark hunters out there trying to hook a fight with Clark since that February win and there were plenty of offers on the table.

Clark could have cashed out or used the expertise of Mark Dunlop to manage his way up the wide-open IBF rankings – but the MHD fighter is more about entertaining the fans and fulfilling his own desire for epic fights than anything else.

The fighter with his own personalised ring walk wants competitive fights that will get his loyal support off its feet and believes Mullingar’s Davey Oliver Joyce [7(6)-0] is the perfect dance partner in that regard.

The cynical among us may view it as a lose-lose for Clark considering Olympian Joyce is a relative pro novice and there surely would have been options that could have advanced him toward bigger fights.

However, Clark rates the Westmeath man, who hasn’t put a foot wrong since turning over, and stresses he faces a quality operator regardless of record or pro experience in Glasgow on the 24th of August.

“I predict an amazing fight,” an excited Clark told Irish-Boxing.com.

“We had and have options but at this time I just want to fight the best, whether it be at the start, middle or end of their career. I want the best fights possible. I want to give the boxing world the real fights they deserve.”

“I am glad MTK are doing what they are doing as these fights are real. I appreciate the fighters for being real. I believe boxing is back on the rise,” he added before explaining how the surprising match-up came about. 

“My management contacted me regarding a fight with DOJ. I am very happy this is on as it’s a genuine real fight for the boxing world.”

Clark may feel it’s a real fight because he is up against a real fighter in Joyce.

The 33-year-old Dundee puncher doesn’t look into the fact Joyce only has seven fights to his 27 and suggests the St Michael’s Athy graduate’s amateur background may level the experience field.

“He is a very good fighter, sharp, fit, strong and looks to have good variety.”

“In boxing, what is too early? He is very experienced and had an extensive amateur career where fights are more real than very many professional fighters!”

As the non-MTK fighter in the intriguing battle Clark may be deemed the away puncher come August 24th, but he gets to fight in his home country.

Indeed, he does so for the first time since November of 2016 and he is excited by the prospect.

“I am very happy that I am fighting back in Scotland so my fans don’t need to travel so far, but at the end of the day a boxing ring for me is still a boxing ring no matter where you put it.”

The fight tops a bill at the Emirates Arena which also features the European debut of Darragh Foley, with the Blanch’ light welter taking on Scottish legend Willie Limond, while another Dubliner in Stephen Ormond looks to regain a spot in the lightweight world rankings versus WBO #14 George Ashie.