Teen with a dream – Excited Dean Clancy ready to win Irish title at the first time of asking

Dean Clancy wants to go from seventh heaven to cloud nine in the National Stadium on Friday.

The Sligo youngster won his seventh successive underage Irish title as recent as July, but could win the big one tonight – and do so at the first time of asking.

The Sean McDermott teen faces Patryk Adamus of Driminagh in the 57kg Liffey Crane National Elite Championship decider.

Clancy seems delighted just to have reached the last two, but winning it might send him through The Stadium roof.

“I’m just thrilled and over the moon to have reached and elite final,” Clancy told Irish-boxing.com.

“This is my first Elite Championships to enter as I’ve only turned 18 four weeks ago -and to win Friday will just be a dream come true.”

The fighter – whose 18th birthday celebrations would most likely have been put on hold as they coincided with the build up to the Elites – is just one of a number of final fresh faces populating the card tomorrow.

Similar to his fellow decider teens he has impressed in the tournament so far. Clancy has even managed to impress himself and suggests he now feels like a true senior operator.

“I felt I’ve fought well through out the tournament, really showing I’m ready and proving I belong up there in the Elite and senior ranks since,” he adds before suggesting there is a lot more to come over the coming years.

“Winning these Elite Championships will be a stepping stone into repeating my underage success in the Elite ranks. I hope to be as successful and more in my adult career.”

Kurt Walker is the main man at the weight, indeed he is a genuine Olympic medal hope. However, illness ruled the Canal BC fighter out of the tournament and it’s between reigning champ Adamus and Clancy for title.

The reigning Senior [formerly Intermediate] champ hails his rival as a good fighter, but believes he has done enough work to ensure he registers a ‘dream’ win.

“Adamus is a good fighter I’ve seen him box around a few times I’m confident that the training, hard work and early mornings done with my Dad will pay off. I can see me winning Friday night with the help of god, again it would be a dream come true.”