Boxing:Belfast boxer Martin Rogan is gearing up for the defence of his Commonwealth heavyweight title for the first time against Sam Sexton at the Odyssey Arena in his hometown tomorrow night.
The 38-year-old took the belt from Matt Skelton in a thrilling 11-round war of attrition in February and is aiming for a shot at the European crown he would have won had it been on the line against the Bedford brawler, who held it at the time.
“I don’t want to get too carried away so I’m just concentrating on winning on Friday,” said the Prizefighter tournament champion.
“I’m only the second Irish Commonwealth heavyweight champion in history and I am very proud to be defending my title on home soil.
“I’m going to be very positive from the off and really get under Sexton’s skin.”
Meanwhile James DeGale has vowed to deliver a more aggressive performance in his under card bout tomorrow night after admitting watching re-runs of his professional debut makes him “cringe”.
The Olympic middleweight gold medallist made his professional debut in Birmingham in February, but his big night turned sour when the crowd got on his back during a lacklustre four-round points win over negative Georgian Vepkhia Tchilaia.
DeGale realises his outspoken nature may have contributed to the animosity but admits his tentative performance was also a significant factor.
Ahead of his second professional outing against unbeaten Czech Jindrich Kubin in Belfast, DeGale said: “I can only watch the entrance and the first round but then after that I start cringing because of the booing.
“I should have stuck it on him a bit more, let’s keep it real. I should have stuck it on him and stopped him. I’m my own biggest critic and when I look back, I should have stopped him.”
DeGale, who will again be joined by fellow amateur stars Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders at the Odyssey, is desperate to return to the ring after a two-and-a-half-month break since his debut.
“It’s definitely been frustrating,” he said.
“I’m so fit, ahead of schedule, and if I could box every week I’d be happy. I’m pretty busy now because I’ve got this and then a fight six weeks later at the O2 Arena so I’m knocking them out now.
“All this talking, all the rubbish, I’m fed up of it. I just want to get in there and get along with my career and become a world champion.”
Former amateur team-mate Gavin sympathised with DeGale in Birmingham but has urged his fellow rookie to let his fists do the talking.
Light-welterweight Gavin, who meets Frenchman Mourad Frarema tomorrow, said: “I did feel sorry for him but, in my eyes, a lot of people have said they are going to do this and that in the ring - well just let your fists do the talking.
“I just say, ‘I’m going to do my best’.”
Saunders meanwhile meets German Ronny Gabel (2-1, 2 KOs) in a welterweight contest also over four rounds.