Martin Rogan opts out of International Prizefighter
Veteran heavyweight Martin Rogan has opted against taking taking part in the forthcoming International Prizefighter contest scheduled for May 7, 2011 in London.
The 39-year-old self-styled 'Iron Man' (picture: Russell Pritchard) feels he is too rusty to enter the innovative Matchroom tournament, despite winning the inaugural event back in 2008.
"I am grateful to Matchroom Sport for the opportunity to compete in Prizefighter again but the timing is not right for me," stated the former Commonwealth champion. "When I received the call I was naturally excited and jumped at the invitation. But my heart sank hours later when I realised the preparation time was much less than what would be expected before a big fight."
Just over four weeks notice was not enough for Rogan to join the likes of unbeaten Irish-based Cuban Mike Perez, American jabber Kevin 'Kingpin' Johnson and Germany's Konstantin Airich in an exciting deviation from the usual domestic format.
"Make no mistake about it, Prizefighter is not an easy touch and it is a platform that can make or break a fighter," continued Martin. "I would be in it to win it, no second measure would do. I simply could not cheat myself into believing I could win it without the right preparation behind me.
"At the same time, I would not be happy to see my family and fans travel to London to support me when I am not fully prepared to go hell for leather and bring the title home. I am now back in full-time training but it is with the aim of fighting in Belfast in late May or early June."
Undeterred by the withdrawal, Rogan feels that he can bring big time heavyweight action back to the Northern capital and recapture the imagination of the public. The Clonard native has recorded two low key victories since hitting the comeback trail in Limerick on November 6 last year, after a one year hiatus following a spinal operation.
"It’s high time I was fighting in Belfast on a regular basis but I will bring something new to fight fans – much more than a boxing show. I am excited about the future."
