Win number two for Aodhán Byrne
Aodhán Byrne celebrates with his team after the fight. Photo: Babs Daly.
Byrne, who boxes out of UNIT 3 Health and Fitness in Naas under Manager and Coach, Niall Barrett, was one of three boxers from that stable, Kildare’s Kelsey Leonard and Cian Reddy from Laois, who successfully fought on the Unfinished Business JB Promotions Card on the night.
Speaking after the fight, the Kilcullen man said, “We had planned to box and show a mature side where I stuck to the game plan off my jab, controlling the opponent which I believe I did quite well. He was quite unpredictable so it was about staying switched on and disciplined. I won the first two rounds in a smart fashion and then I turned on the showmanship in the last two rounds to give the fans what they wanted to see.”
Byrne, who can be unpredictable in his own style of boxing too added, “I believe I showed a good mix of mature boxing but I was able to flow in and out of that unpredictable and entertaining style once I was comfortably ahead.”
The UNIT 3 boxer carried an injury into Saturday’s fight but it didn’t deter his performance. “I rolled my ankle quite badly four weeks out and I was in a boot until last week. Myself and my team altered training with no sparring or running but we stayed disciplined and ticked every box given the situation,” he explained.
“As a fighter who wants to be 100% prepared it was a good experience to have to get through something like that and still fight which I believe will stand to my mindset as I go forward as a professional.”
Aodhán enjoyed good support at the south Dublin venue. “Between the Gym and my own mates and support from Kilcullen over 100 people travelled to Leopardstown to support me. I’m very grateful for the support as I would not be able to do it without them,” he told us.“The venue was great, it was a big venue and the event was planned and ran very smoothly by JB Promotions to whom I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
The support of his fellow boxers from UNIT 3 was also important to Byrne. “We grow together as a team. To be in an environment where everyone is pushing each other and wants the best for each other is a great recipe for success and one I’m very grateful for. Niall (Barrett) and Airijus (Vitlipas) have set the culture and environment for us to grow in.”
Speaking of the future Byrne said, “I will take a couple of weeks now to heal this injury and start planning what is next. I believe I’m one of the brightest prospects in Irish boxing and want to keep growing my support and gaining experience. There are plenty of shows happening around Ireland right now and I will stay busy. I want to thank my sponsors who have helped me pursue this dream. I have a great support locally and without their support this dream would be a lot more difficult.”
