Murphy looking to build on pro-debut success when she takes on Quintana

Kildare’s Sarah Murphy is anticipating an even tougher challenge to that of her pro-boxing debut victory over Kerry Orton when she takes on Spain’s Katherine Quintana in a four-round bout in the Red Cow on Saturday 7 February.

The 18-year-old super lightweight turned a few heads when she delivered a hugely impressive performance to beat the far more experienced Orton from England 40-36 in the National Stadium back in October, and she will be looking to build on that display when she lines out on another JB Promotions show next month.

Quintana, like Orton, is a very experienced paid boxer and has fought some quality opponents, most recently another Kildare native, Kelsey Leonard, to whom she lost out 60-54 in Sheffield last month.

And, while Murphy does believe this fight represents a more severe test, she is fully trusting her coaching team of Paddy Phelan and Wes Murphy to help see her successfully navigate this latest challenge, telling The Kildare Nationalist:

“This will be another level up again on top of Kerry Orton.

“I don't know much about her really, other than she’s orthodox and she's a good bit smaller than Kerry, and I've only seen her box once.

“I'm letting my coaches deal with that and I fully trust them regarding what to do and what we're going to focus on for the weeks leading up to the fight.

“I'm letting them deal with what tactics and combinations I’ll have to use against her, but this is going to be tougher. Each fight is going to get harder and harder as it goes on, but I'm ready for whatever comes at me,” insisted the St. Brigid’s boxer.

Certainly Murphy enjoyed a massive boost when she surmounted Orton last year in a fight that left her chomping at the bit for another challenge.

There had been talk of another outing for the Kildare competitor in December, and while nothing materialise that month, she did not have to wait much longer before a follow-up to her pro-debut was secured.

“I was buzzing after that win against Kerry,” recalled Murphy. 

“To be able to get a win over such an experienced journey woman was amazing.

“Kerry Orton has a good few fights under her belt. She's been there, she's done loads of rounds, she's loads of experience, she’s a tough girl and is well able to take a punch as well. I was buzzing after that fight and I couldn't wait to get back out again.

“Then during Christmas I heard that Jay had the Red Cow lined up, and he was like, ‘right, we go again’.

“To be able to have something to aim towards, and to start building on my record and building up my ranking in the professional game is unreal. But, considering my age, I'm only 18 years old, so I'm in no rush with my career.

“I've already started my camp and we’re flying at the moment. I’ve been able to improve on a few things since my last fight against Kerry. There were a few small bits that just had to be straightened out and had to be sharpened.

“You're going to get so many fights throughout your career and each fight is going to be so different, and there's loads that we've been working on that my team thinks is going to work,” she said.

Murphy stepped into professional boxing following a tremendous run in the amateur ranks that featured no less than eight national championship title wins, three of which came at Under 18 level.

The transition has been near seamless for the St. Brigid’s competitor, who long dreamt of turning pro and was more than comfortable in making the switch last year.

“Really, the only difference I found in my fight against Kerry were the lighter gloves. It felt like I had nothing on my hands. My hands were fresh, they were fast and the power was still there.

“But other than that, and the place being more full and the music in between rounds, it just felt like another fight. There was a bigger buzz to it, but I felt very comfortable,” she smiled.

And Murphy is hopeful there will be plenty more experiences like that for her over the coming months, adding “It's going to be a busy year for me. I can't really say much more, but it’s going to be a very busy year and I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m feeling very good, feeling sharp, feeling happy. I'm good with my team around me and I’m ready for another challenge,” she said.