Gogarty wins featherweight title

DEIRDRE GOGARTY pronounced herself "a bit sore, but happy" after winning a hard fought 10 round decision over Bonnie Canino to capture the Womens' International Boxing Federation featherweight title in New Orleans.

Gogarty (26), broke Canino's nose in the fifth round, and by the end the former champion's left eye was nearly closed. Two ringside judges scored it 97-93, and a third 98-92, all for the new champion.

"It was very rough and dirty," said Deirdre. "She fought a smart fight. Every time I'd slip a punch she'd put an arm around me and grab me. She head butted me once, and tried to push me through the ropes. I got off some good body shots, but I couldn't get my combinations working."

Drogheda born and Dublin reared, Gogarty was an unlikely candidate for the gruelling sport of boxing. Her father Des is an oral surgeon, her mother Edith a dentist, and she herself is a graphic artist when she isn't boxing.

Deirdre has been living and working in Lafayette, Los Angeles, where she trains under manager Beau Williford. Ironically, she didn't burst into national prominence until last April, and then in a losing cause. Matched against the redoubtable Christy Martin on the Mike Tyson Frank Bruno under card in Las Vegas, Gogarty broke her nose early in the fight before surrendering a points decision.

She has won six in a row since then, and her career recently got a big boost when she signed a multi fight contract with promoter Don King. There was a tradeoff, however Carl King, the promoter's son, now has a 50 per cent stake, and is listed along with Williford as her co-manager.

"I'd like to get back to Ireland for a nice vacation at least two or three weeks,"

Gogarty said, but her schedule may not allow it anytime soon.

She is already scheduled to defend her title in Brownsville, Texas, on March 30th, and plans are afoot to find her a spot on the bill when Evander Holyfield defends against Tyson May 3rd in Las Vegas.