Martin Rogan, a Real life rag to riches Rocky Story

By Tom Avington: Less than a year ago British fight fans would have been saying Martin who? Many around the world will still be thinking exactly that, for those who are let me enlighten you. Heavyweight Martin Rogan is now making waves not just in Britain, but in Europe, after beating the European Heavyweight Champion Matt Skelton, although the European title was not on the line, the taxi driver from Belfast Northern Ireland won the Commonwealth title, which was put up for grabs.

Beating Matt Skelton via KO in the 11th round in a candidate for fight of the year, it was a fight where momentum swung both ways throughout the match. It’s been a real life rocky story just over 10 months ago. Martin was entered into sky sports prize fighter, a new round robin tournament created for the British subscription channel as a cheap alternative to fill the void left, now that Irish rival channel Setanta sports has virtually monopolised boxing broadcasting in the UK and Ireland. Martin Rogan was a little known taxi driver, who had taken up boxing late in life, but went on to win the heavyweight edition of the Prize fighter tournament.

This success brought him to the attention of Frank warren who lined him up against his man former Olympic Gold medallist Audley Harrison. Martin Rogan went on to cause a massive, upset win a unanimous points win. The fight was simply seen by many as a keep busy fight for Harrison on his come back trail to bigger and better things

Fast forward to the present and at the ripe old age of 37; Martin Rogan is now the Commonwealth champion. A title seen historically as a stepping stone to a world title shot. He also handed Skelton his first stoppage defeat. Skelton faced former Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev for the WBA version of the world title back in January of 2008 loosing a points decision.

Like the Audley Harrison fight the match up with skelton was seen as a fight to keep Skelton busy until he could gain a another world title shot. Now it seems Martin Rogan maybe be on his way to the unthinkable a world title shot himself, in less that 11 months Martin Rogan has become a prospect although a slightly old one at 37. Many scoffed when Audley Harrison was defeated by Rogan, but compared to Skelton, Audley’s performance now looks more creditable.

In many respects Martin Rogan is a throw back, he would be the first to admit that he is not technically the best. Martin though makes up for what he lacks in technique with heart and guts. Martin Rogan has not had anything on a plate he’s the genuine working class hero, a people’s warrior doing the unthinkable. He also appears to be making fast progress as this was an improvement on the Harrison fight. It really is like a story written for Hollywood. Unlike Harrison who won gold in sydney and then was handed a million pound contract by the BBC, or Skelton who has worked his way through kick boxing as well as a brief stint in pro wrestling in a bid to make it in professional sport. Not that I’m being critical of Audley or Matt good luck to them, but, I’m simply pointing out where they have come from and where Martin has come from.

The question now is simply how far can this guy with a record of 12-0 in the pro ranks go? With a victory over the European and commonwealth champion to his name, and given the current state of the heavyweight division, Martin Rogan is the real life Rocky Balboa, possibly on his way to a world title fight later in the year.

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