By Jonathan Brown
CASTLEWELLAN’S Donagh Keary moved to 4-1 as a pro on Saturday night following a convincing win over Lancashire fighter Steven Maguire in Belfast.
Keary stopped the experienced journeyman in the second round of their undercard clash, delivering a measured performance and firmly putting the disappointment of his shock September loss to Caine Singh at Windsor Park behind him. It was a clinical display from the 21-year-old in front of a raucous crowd of supporters who had made the journey from Castlewellan to cheer him on.
Keary set the tone for the fight in the first round, punching with confidence, and he comfortably dispatched of Maguire in the second after blasting him with a flurry of punches, leading the referee to call a stop to proceedings. The fight was part of the Hammer Boxing Promotions card at The Devenish Hotel, with the headline bout of the night seeing Cookstown’s Teo Alin take the BUI Celtic Featherweight title following a points win over Armagh fighter Lee Gormley.
Speaking after the victory, Keary said he was glad to be back in the ring so soon after the first loss of his pro career, adding that he learned from his experience against Singh, where he admitted he burnt himself out early.
“It was good to be straight back in the ring after the loss, and it’s on to bigger and better things now. I learnt a lot from my last fight, now I know to slow down, pick my shots and the win will come. Tonight, I just tried to enjoy myself and box, but be nasty at the same time.”
The Castlewellan native enjoyed a long amateur career representing Rathfriland CC ABC before turning to the pro ranks last year, and he believes this helped him to bounce back in style following the Windsor Park defeat.
“I had over 100 amateur fights, and I’ve been beaten a good few times as an amateur, so I know how to come back, and I always get better after a loss. I’ve learned that it’s not the end of the world and that I can come back.”
Going forward in his pro career, expressing himself in the ring will be key – that was one of the key pieces of advice given to Keary from his coach, Ryan Burnett, on Saturday night.
“All I have to do is be myself and I can perform, I don’t need to go forcing it out of myself and putting loads of pressure on myself, I just need to go out and box, and whatever happens, happens.”
Saturday’s bout was the super bantamweight’s fifth pro fight in the space of six months, and he doesn’t expect to be back in the ring until the new year, with an appearance at the Waterfront Hall mooted for 28 February. Training camp for the February fight will begin in mid-December and will last ten weeks as he prepares to make the step up to six-rounders.
Moving up to six-round fights will make Keary eligible for a BUI Celtic title, and he now has his sights set on a first pro belt.
“I’ll go up to six rounds in my next match, then hopefully I’ll be like Teo (Alin) soon, fighting for titles this time next year,” he said.
Keary expressed gratitude to his sponsors for their continued support and thanked his loyal supporters who made the trip to Belfast on Saturday, as he continues to chase his dream of becoming a world champion.
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app – for apple click here – for android click here
