by Chris Cella
Last week Irish amateur boxing star and Olympic Silver Medalist winner John Joseph Nevin announced his plans to remain an amateur, and yesterday it was released that he will be signing and fighting with the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing.
At 23-years-old, the Irish Traveler Nevin has already accomplished much inside the ring; in addition to his silver medal won at the 2012 London games, Nevin became the first Irishman to win medals at two AIBA World Boxing Championships, as he came home with bronze in 2009 and 2011.
The slick lightweight is eager to further his career, and will be making his debut with his new team on Friday, November 23, at Celtic Manor in Cardiff, as he goes to battle with Croatian Branimir Stankovic (2-1 in the World Series of Boxing).
“I am excited to confirm my place in the British Lionhearts team and I am looking forward to my first fight which will take place at the end of November,” said Nevin about joining the Lionhearts.
“After my silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, I was offered different opportunities and I wanted to take some time to consider them all. It appeared that my wish to carry on with WSB, a competition that has given me so much in the past two years, was the direction I wanted to go. I am now fully focused on working hard towards the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.”
Through his first two seasons fighting with the World Series of Boxing, Nevin has put together an impressive record of 7-1, and helped the French Franchise Paris United team win the WSB Team Trophy in Season 1.
On the grand stage of the Olympics, Nevin established himself as one of the top amateurs in the world, and caught the attention of Amir Khan’s promotions company. Originally set to turn pro following his medal winning performance, Nevin soon thereafter decided to spend a bit more time in the amateurs.
Fans can expect him to carry over the same intensity and excitement he offered through the Olympic games to the Lionhearts, and will undoubtedly have a successful season.
On the same fight card as Nevin will be making his debut with the Lionhearts, another Irish amateur—light heavyweight Joe Ward—will beginning his career with the WSB as he squares off against Imre Szello (6-2).