Time to Byrne
from The Rocky Road
We’re joined by Jay Byrne of JB Boxing Promotions — and there is plenty to discuss. Dublin has enjoyed a boxing boom this summer, beginning with Byrne’s show at Leopardstown in July and concluding at the National Stadium on September 27, when Paul Loonam faces Ruadhan Farrell for the Irish super-bantamweight title. In between, promotional heavyweights Queensberry, Zuffa Boxing and Matchroom have all visited the capital, staging shows that showcased the good, the bad and the ugly of boxing. We discuss the strength of Irish women’s boxing following Katie Taylor’s retirement after her Croke Park swansong; what legacy — if any — the event at GAA HQ will leave; who can carry the torch for Irish boxing and lead us back to Jones’ Road; and where the next generation of television stars might emerge after RTÉ screened Taylor v Flora Pili, its first live professional boxing broadcast in 15 years. We also address fighter safety. Jay’s brother Glenn was forced to retire after suffering a brain bleed following his fight with William Crolla in April. Then, in August, the boxing community was horrified when Lee Reeves suffered the same injury against Gary Cully at the 3Arena. Is boxing becoming less safe — and, if so, why? Jay shares his theories about what is going wrong. Plus, we preview Judgment Day, JB Boxing Promotions’ next show at the home of Irish boxing.
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