JIM ROCK FIGHTS FOR OMAGH
Rock's fists are in Tallaght but his heart is in Omagh
BOXING
DAVID KELLY
ROCK by name, rock by nature but Dubliner Jim has shown a heart of gold, donating his latest purse to the Omagh Appeal Fund.
The tough light-middleweight returns to the ring on September 19 at the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, on the first Team Ireland promotion which is headed by Olympic gold medallist Michael Carruth.
Rock, like everyone on the Emerald Isle, was shocked and dismayed at the carnage suffered in the Omagh atrocity and wants to offer what help he can.
"It was just terrible and I thought it would be good to give them my purse money. Hopefully this will be the end of the bombing," said Rock.
"Those people will never get over what happened. No amount of money will solve what they have suffered but maybe it will help a little."
Coming off a defeat to former world title challenger and current British champion Ensley Bingham, the first of his career. Rock is eager to chalk up another win.
"I was robbed against Bingham. I was ahead on points at the time and got caught - the referee just dived in and stopped it," said Rock.
The 25-year-old, who recently picked up sponsorship from Dublin solicitors Seamus Maguire, was boxing under the Frank Warren promotional banner having left Mike Callahan but is now back with the Belfastman.
"It's good to be back with Mike and I'm looking forward to fighting in Dublin. This should be the start of regular boxing in Ireland which is what the sport needs.
"I've gained a lot from the Bingham fight, it was good experience even though I lost, and I hope to be fighting for a continental title over the next 12 months."
Rock, trained by John Breen, will be joined by gym-mate Neil Sinclair who will have a six-rounder at welterweight.
Both are awaiting opponents for the Dublin show, promoted by businessman Syl McClean, when Carruth makes his comeback
Tickets for the bill can be purchased from Breen's Gym:
(01232) 278708.
BOXING
DAVID KELLY
ROCK by name, rock by nature but Dubliner Jim has shown a heart of gold, donating his latest purse to the Omagh Appeal Fund.
The tough light-middleweight returns to the ring on September 19 at the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, on the first Team Ireland promotion which is headed by Olympic gold medallist Michael Carruth.
Rock, like everyone on the Emerald Isle, was shocked and dismayed at the carnage suffered in the Omagh atrocity and wants to offer what help he can.
"It was just terrible and I thought it would be good to give them my purse money. Hopefully this will be the end of the bombing," said Rock.
"Those people will never get over what happened. No amount of money will solve what they have suffered but maybe it will help a little."
Coming off a defeat to former world title challenger and current British champion Ensley Bingham, the first of his career. Rock is eager to chalk up another win.
"I was robbed against Bingham. I was ahead on points at the time and got caught - the referee just dived in and stopped it," said Rock.
The 25-year-old, who recently picked up sponsorship from Dublin solicitors Seamus Maguire, was boxing under the Frank Warren promotional banner having left Mike Callahan but is now back with the Belfastman.
"It's good to be back with Mike and I'm looking forward to fighting in Dublin. This should be the start of regular boxing in Ireland which is what the sport needs.
"I've gained a lot from the Bingham fight, it was good experience even though I lost, and I hope to be fighting for a continental title over the next 12 months."
Rock, trained by John Breen, will be joined by gym-mate Neil Sinclair who will have a six-rounder at welterweight.
Both are awaiting opponents for the Dublin show, promoted by businessman Syl McClean, when Carruth makes his comeback
Tickets for the bill can be purchased from Breen's Gym:
(01232) 278708.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0314
Published Date: 28-Aug-98
Related Images
