Oisin Fagan on the comeback trail

For many retired boxers the lure of the ring remains too much to resist and they end up returning to pursue past glories. Some leave it a matter of weeks, while others last a little longer before the urge kicks in – German light-heavyweight Henry Maske, for example, pulled on the gloves a full ten years after supposedly packing the sport in for good.

Former Irish lightweight title holder Oisin Fagan last fought in February 2010, suffering a fifth-round stoppage loss to Cavan starlet Andy Murray in a National Stadium headliner. Aggravated by the defeat and with a proud career behind him Fagan announced in March of that year that he had thrown his final combination. Taking up an offer with the IABA he cut a trim and contented figure out of the ring when attending many of the domestic shows on offer in 2010.

Oisin has consistently given his all in every contest since turning professional in 2003 and the proud warrior now feels he has more to offer the fight fans.

“I'm looking forward to the buzz of being back in the ring,” admitted “Gael Force” who features on Dolphil Promotions’ January 30 show.

“I can't wait to excite the fans again. I've always been the first to say that I am a very limited boxer, but when it comes to a fighter's heart I cannot be beaten. When people come to see one of my fights they go away happy, win or lose, because I give it my all every second of every round. I've had many complements from legendary fighters about my heart and toughness and I guess that's what comes natural to me, so what you see is what you get.

“If the odds are even and I'm fighting on a neutral card anything can happen because nobody puts as much pressure on their opponents as the "Gael Force". For someone who had no amateur experience and then fought former world champions to controversial split decisions in their hometown [Paul Spadafora in 2007] it must mean that I am doing something right. It's certainly not my skills, but more to do with my Irish heart, desire and determination that puts me on a par with anyone in the world.”

Fagan linked up with Phil Sutcliffe’s Crumlin boxing team in what appeared to be his final few fights. Now the 36-year-old will return to the gym and battle on, hoping to recreate the form that saw him excite the crowds against the likes of Eddie Hyland and Jeff Thomas.

“To be honest I never let my guard down,” Oisin elaborated, “I continued to train every day so that I could take a fight at any given time, pending a deal with my bosses to allow me to compete again. They were kind enough to make the compromise and smart enough to see that having a profile actually helps when you are dealing with kids in your everyday job, as they seem to listen more intently if they have seen you fight on the telly. That said, I am only having two or three more fights and that will be that.

“During my lunch breaks I have time to run so I take a 10KM trek every other day. I also jump rope and shadow box to keep myself ticking over. Now that I have been approved to fight I will be sparring at Crumlin Gym with Willie Casey, Phil Sutcliffe Jnr, Micah Stevens and Dean Byrne so there is plenty of work for me to do.”

Naturally, potential contests and suitable opponents have already been sounded out, ever since Fagan made public his desire to return to the fray. With former foe Eddie Hyland seemingly retired, it appears that his two fighting siblings could now be on the Fagan radar - recent European super-bantamweight title challenger Paul or undefeated featherweight Patrick. Weight discrepancies, however, could be a tricky issue.

“I wanted to fight Patrick but his camp turned down the fight with me,” lamented Fagan. “I guess they are trying to be smart about things and please don't think I'm being facetious when I say that either. I like the kid and all his family but I guess if he has been promised 'big time' fights in the future then he can't risk those opportunities with someone like me. He knows it would be a war and a very hard night’s work so why take the fight if there are other fighters he could get rid of in a flash, while continuing to raise his own standing. I guess that's just him using his head to be honest. However, for the record, I'd still like to fight him at a fair catch weight for us both.

“I was then offered Paulie Hyland instead, but only at 9 stone 2lbs. It's impossible for me to melt down to that weight. I'd certainly be interested in the fight, but things have to be done fairly. I'm sick of having to be the one who makes all the concessions. I mentioned to someone in an interview that I haven't been 9 stone 2 lbs since I was 14 years old. How on earth could I make that now?”

Candid as always, yet with a manner of good sense about him, Oisin is someone who has always done things the hard way. Whether it be conceding weight, stripping down to it or travelling into an opponent’s back yard, the likeable Dubliner is returning on his terms...well, sort of. The veteran did of course fight Eddie Hyland at a lesser weight though.

“When I fought against Eddie it was at 9 stone 4 lbs,” he reasoned. “But honestly, that was truly a full-time job [getting so light]. It was extremely hard because I'd not been that light since I was 16 years old. Now that I am back close to my natural weight after the Christmas break it would be impossible to make 9 stone 2lb, so I would hope that Paulie could come up and meet me at 9st 7 lbs. At that, it's still a big stretch for me, but I feel that I could make a good go of it at least. I really think it would be a smashing fight with the different styles on show. I would also love a chance to take on Eddie Hyland again but he told me that he's taking a break for a while so that may not happen unfortunately. I know the fans really wanted to see that rematch on neutral grounds.”

Failing that, the old warrior will turn his attention elsewhere, with recent Frankie Gavin victim Michael Kelly a possible candidate.

“Michael Kelly would be a great fight,” concluded Fagan. “That was supposed to happen a long time ago but it never materialised. However, I would be interested in that fight too if we could get it going. Other than that, we shall see what materialises.”