Unbeaten Offaly prospect Paul “The Boxer” Loonam returns to motion on February seventh, with the 6-0 tremendous bantamweight trying to construct momentum early within the 12 months as he faces Darwing Martinez on JB Promotions ‘Proving Floor’ present in Leopardstown’s Pavilion Constructing.
The bout will mark the 2024 Irish-Boxing.com Prospect of the Yr’s first outing of 2026, as his regular development by the skilled ranks begins to choose up the tempo as soon as once more, with a specific concentrate on exercise and a push for longer fights.
“This battle is about getting the 12 months rolling with a win over a superb opponent” Loonam instructed Irish-Boxing.com. “I’m trying to be in huge fights… it’ll most likely be certainly one of my final over six rounds… I’ll be hoping to maneuver on to eight rounds and additional and stepping up the extent into April and the remainder of the 12 months”
The fast precedence is efficiency in opposition to one of many hardest highway warriors in boxing on the pavilion, so The Boxer,” has been clear that he isn’t trying too far past the duty at hand after an emotional 12 months in 2025.
“I’m not going to suppose too far forward into the long run,” he mentioned. “The best way life has gone the final 12 months, you possibly can’t assure something, so it’s only one step at a time.”
The BUI Celtic title winner’s upcoming return to the acquainted environment of the JB Promotions’ banner follows his look on a serious card headlined by Michael Conlan final 12 months, an evening that carried added emotional weight following the passing of his father and long-time coach, Paul Loonam Sr, a presence that continues to information his outlook inside and outdoors the ring as he strikes ahead in his profession.
“It’s not like that was finished and the emotions have been parked there,” he mentioned. “Each day I’m nonetheless going by grief and battling it day by day… it hasn’t been straightforward. It was nice to do the tribute for my dad and for my household to have one thing to look ahead to at the moment, however my dad would need me to concentrate on February seventh now.”
Though his skilled journey continues to be in its infancy, the 24-year-old has already claimed himself a Celtic Title and ticked off appearances on the Nationwide Stadium and 3Arena, alternatives he views as milestones relatively than locations.
“I’m completely blessed,” he mentioned. “Jay Byrne and JB Promotions have been nice to me they usually’ve given me all of the alternatives they mentioned they’d initially. I’m actually grateful, however I wish to let my boxing do the speaking and earn my manner onto these huge exhibits.”
Discussions a few potential Irish Title conflict with Matty Boreland had surfaced late final 12 months, however Loonam insists that timing, not urge for food for the bout will dictate what comes subsequent.
“I’m positively down” he mentioned. “However it’s nonetheless early days… Matty’s preventing on the Waterfront, so it’s most likely not the suitable time. Perhaps the suitable card comes round for that battle.”
Preparation has been regular and purposeful, with Loonam logging rounds in opposition to elite amateurs similar to Patsy Joyce, Jason Nevin and Sean Mari to call just a few, whereas coaching nearer to dwelling, a shift that displays altering priorities.
“It’s been actually good to have the ability to combine it with them lads” he mentioned. “It’s nice having the ability to practice and spar from dwelling… It’s tougher in methods, however coaching from dwelling makes household life work higher. For me, it’s about consistency.”
