Amateur star Sutcliffe Jnr turns pro
Philip Sutcliffe Jnr, the son of Olympian and Crumlin Gym trainer Philip Sutcliffe, has decided its time leave the amateur code behind and turn his talents to professional boxing making his debut in Dundalk on March 9.
Best known for his sensational second round stoppage of Beijing Olympian John Joe Joyce in the finals of the 2009 Senior Championships, the 23-year-old Dubliner has endured a frustrating couple of years since that memorable night at the National Stadium.
“I had a lot of bad luck since winning my Senior title. I went to the World Championships and hurt my hand before my first fight. Then I had had a couple of shocking decisions against me in the Seniors and was disillusioned with boxing for a while.”
The Crumlin Boxing Club fighter will be trained by his father and is confident the timing of his decision to turn professional is ideal.
“It’s no secret that my style would better suit the professional game. As an amateur I always seemed to run out of time, three rounds was never enough. I felt I was just getting going when the fight would be over.”
Recognised as one the biggest punchers in Irish amateur boxing, Sutcliffe won’t have a long wait before flexing his power as he makes his profession debut at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk on March 9 in a packed bill headlined by unbeaten prospects Christina McMahon and Declan Trainor.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Phil Jnr to our growing team of boxers,” said Stephen Sharpe who will co-manage Sutcliffe along with his father. “Phil is one of Ireland’s most exciting amateurs over the last five years and we are very excited about bringing him to the next level of his career.
“For his first year we want to keep him as busy as possible, allow him to settle into professional boxing and learn gradually by increasing the quality of opposition, so he can expect a busy year ahead, kicking off in March when he fights in front of a packed crowd at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk.”
Further details of the fight card will be announced soon, with promoters promising a number of exciting additions. Tickets will go on sale next Monday the 14th of January and will be priced at £30/ €35 unreserved & £40/ €50 ringside and are available from fighters or Stephen Sharpe on 0879537526.