By Tom Prosser
Welsh boxer Sean McGoldrick is excited by his “future plans” in the sport and can’t wait to get back into title contention after recently making his return to the ring for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
The professional boxer from Newport ended a 19-month spell without a fight by winning every round against Stephen Jackson at the iconic York Hall in London last Friday.
“It was nice to get back into it, my opponent was tough and durable,” explains McGoldrick, who is managed by MTK Global, who also help guide the careers of some of the biggest names in boxing such as world champion’s Tyson Fury and Josh Taylor.
“I was expected to win but having spent so long out of the ring it could have potentially caused some problems for me.
“It was good to have a solid six rounds to get back into things.”
“I’m now going to be staying pretty active as I’m fighting again at the Vale Arena in Cardiff on the 26th November.
“I’m excited to really push on and progress my career over the next few months.
“MTK’s future plans are very promising for me.”
Most boxers have had to deal with having fights cancelled due to the consequences of COVID but McGoldrick says the key for him has been staying busy in the gym and not taking a complete break from the sport.
“No one could have predicted the last 19 months.
“I remember when the first few dates were cancelled, I thought it doesn’t matter it will be rescheduled for a month’s time.
“We are in uncertain times at the moment where nothing is guaranteed so I’m grateful to MTK for making sure I have dates in the diary going forward.
“I’m looking to stay active and get plenty of rounds under my belt which will hopefully kickstart everything again for me.
“I spent the first few months of lockdown in the house like everybody else.
“It was just a case of waiting for the gyms to open again so I could get back to work as boxing is work for me.
@Sean1mc with a 6 round points win over Stephen Jackson on Friday’s @Leeeaton88 @MTKGlobal York Hall show.
Great to see McGoldrick back in action who’s a really talented boxer.
— Haydn Williams (@Predatorhayds) November 1, 2021
“I then spent most of the time up in Manchester with my trainer as I knew it was vital to stay in shape and continue to work on things.
“That was the best thing I did as it made me fully focus on boxing and not switch off from the sport.
“That would have made my return even more difficult if I spent that time completely away from boxing.”
“I’m also really appreciative of my sponsors who play a huge part in allowing me to do what I do.
“To have so much support especially in a pandemic is great and I really want to reward them with performances in the ring.”
McGoldrick is trained by former British and European champion Jamie Moore, who is now one of the top trainers Britain.
“I travel up to Manchester usually early on a Monday morning then stay up there until Friday afternoon before spending the weekend back home in Newport,” adds McGoldrick who began his pro career under Welsh trainer Tony Borg.
“It’s great being in Manchester with Jamie who in my view is the best trainer in the UK.
“He is like a book of all boxing knowledge.
“But what he does well is he doesn’t flood his fighters with too much information.
“He is very selective with what he tells us all.
“He is good in deciding what information I need and what information someone else needs.
“That’s definitely one of his best traits.”
McGoldrick now wants to gradually step up the distance of his fights and start his charge towards winning his first professional belt.
“In boxing it’s the titles that gets everyone going.
“It’s important that I’ve got a plan in place to build up to that correctly and do it on my terms.
“I’m only 29-years-old so I think I’ve got a good few years left in the sport as I always look after myself well.“The plan is to set up to eight rounds at the end of the month and then assess from there about whether I’m ready to step up to 10 rounds or not.
“But generally speaking, I’m hoping to get into the title mix pretty soon and push on with my career.
“I’m not too worried about the opponents that are out in front of me.
“I’ve seen many different styles of fighters throughout my career so far and I certainly don’t think of anyone as unbeatable.
“I’ve proved I can do it as an amateur over three rounds and now I’m looking to prove it over 10 and 12 rounds as a professional.
“The biggest thing for me is to make sure I’m 100% ready and then I’m sure success and titles will come.”