Clancy looking to Tokyo 2020
HE only turned 18 three weeks ago and already Sligo boxer Dean Clancy has claimed his first Elite Irish title.
The new Irish 57kg champion overcame Patryk Adamus from Drimnagh on Friday night in the National Stadium.
The young fighter is determined to reach the Olympics in Tokyo and Friday’s win is certainly a big boost for the 18-year-old.
He told the Sligo Champion that he was still coming to terms with the win.
“I am absolutely delighted, over the moon. It has been massive especially as I only turned 18 at the end of October and also won my first senior title 2 weeks ago.
“I am absolutely thrilled. It was a tough enough fight, he was very strong and a little bit smaller than me so he had more muscle but I stuck to the game plan and thankfully got the win,” the Sligo man added.
Coached by his father Jason, Dean said he plays a huge part in his success.
“I wouldn’t be who I am without dad, his help and support has been huge.”
Dean joined the Sean McDermott club in Manorhamilton a little over a year ago and praised the club for its support too.
The phone too has been busy with delighted friends and family congratulating the young boxer.
“The phone has been hopping! Everyone has been saying they are really thrilled.”
Dean’s hard work and determination saw him win a whopping 7 All-Ireland titles at underage level and he’s since added both a senior and Elite title since turning 18.
His focus now is continuing his goal to reach Tokyo 2020 and the boxer certainly has the right attitude to do so.
“Definitely winning the Elite title is a stepping stone towards it.
“I will be training from Tuesday to Fridays at the Sports Institute in Dublin too.
“That’s great experience for me, I love it too, boxing is my full-time job, I’ll be working hard at training and the hard work gets me where I am,”he added.
Having started boxing at 6 years of age, Dean has certainly done immensely well and he is aiming for more success in the future.
“I am very proud of what I have achieved so far being only 18. I’m hoping to repeat my underage success into senior, I won 7 All-Ireland underage titles and now added a senior and Elite which brings it to 9 Irish titles.
“My family are thrilled too and they are such a great support to me. I would like to thank all the people of Sligo who are behind me, especially my sponsors EJ’s Menswear, Slainte Pain and Injury, Tnt Gym and the Clayton Hotel gym too,” he added.
Watch this space on this young boxing star.
I WOULDN’T BE WHO I AM TODAY WITHOUT MY DAD, WHO COACHES ME. HIS HELP AND SUPPORT HAS BEEN HUGE.