We interview Wexford boxer Dean Walsh as he announces that he’s turning professional

It’s a good time to be a fan of professional boxing if you’re from Wexford…

Just over six months ago, Wexford didn’t have any professional boxers to follow. But a lot can change in such a short space of time and that certainly seems to be the case here.

Wexford now has three active professional boxers in the pro ranks. Dean Gonzalez Furlong from Wexford town made his debut in April. Just this month, newly-turned professional boxer David ‘Bomber’ Kennedy enjoyed a comfortable win on his debut at the Red Cow in Dublin. And now, Wexford town native Dean Walsh has announced that he’s turning professional.

Walsh teased an impending announcement on his personal Instagram page on Wednesday evening, noting that his time under the “big lights” is about to start. On Thursday afternoon, he confirmed the news that he’s turning professional.

We caught up with Dean Walsh and had the opportunity to ask him a few questions, where he discusses his reasons behind turning pro, what he can offer the pro game, and what his aspirations are in the sport.

Dean enjoyed a very impressive time in the amateur boxing ranks in Ireland. However, at the end of his amateur career, it seemed like things turned somewhat sour and he was dealt with harshly. He had just beaten Ireland’s Olympic hopeful and he was crowned National Champion, but he still wasn’t selected for the Irish Boxing Olympic team for Paris 2024, with the Wexford IABA labelling it “discrimination” at the time. Although this was a factor in his decision to turn professional, the Wexford town man says it wasn’t the only factor and he’s not holding any grudges; instead, he’s just focussing on the future.

“I wouldn’t say it was my sole decision maker. Everyone knows I’ve toyed around with the pro idea for a while, but that Olympic selection process – it definitely affected it. Everyone was telling me to go to the Elites this November and prove this and that. I’ve proved all I can in amateur boxing; it’s just a pity the selection process is so covert, being the best fighter and national champion just isn’t enough so what’s the point going up, winning it out again and still not get picked? It’s mental torture,” he told Wexford Weekly.

“I have nothing left to offer amateur boxing. I gave all I had to offer and I hung up the vest bittersweetly. I’m grateful for all my years with the Irish Team, I got back on the team when just a short time before I didn’t see myself making it to tomorrow let alone back on an Olympic squad. The last few years back in HP saved my life really and that’s being honest. What I went through is a story for another day. I’m 30 years old, in the best shape of my life both physically and mentally so now’s my time to turn over,” he said.

Dean will be making his professional debut on December 7th in Waterford at the SETU Arena. With so much experience in the amateur ranks, there’s no doubt that he has a lot to offer the pro game. Now aged 30, he’s also aware that the time is now to get the ball rolling and that’s exactly the plan:

“Everyone has seen what I have to offer, I’m a fighter, I don’t back down from anyone. I want the big fights and I want them fast, as I said I’m 30 now and my teams plan is to get me fast tracked, jump straight into 6 rounds and get the ball rolling. I have an adaptable style so I think I’ll adjust into the pro game nicely and with the addition of my trainer Jimmy Payne together we will see a whole new level. We started camp recently and we just clicked, it feels natural. He has a class stable with Joe Ward, Dylan Moran and Tiana Schroeder,” he told Wexford Weekly.

Dean will be fighting on the undercard of the exciting Waterford card on December 7th, with Belfast’s Tyrone McKenna and Waterford’s Dylan Moran headlining the bill. The event itself will be promoted by Conlan Boxing, the boxing promotion brainchild business of brothers Jamie and Michael Conlan. Walsh also confirmed that he has been signed by Conlan Boxing too, which is sure to guarantee more exciting fights post-Waterford.

“I’m delighted to be managed by Mick Conlan. I’ve been wrecking his head to get it announced the last few weeks. I know Mick years. We were on the Irish team together, he knows how I train, he knows I’m game and I want what’s appropriate as soon as possible and I’m confident he’s the man to get me what’s right when the time is right. Conlan Boxing is dominating the pro scene here. What better could I ask for,” Dean said.

There will be a lot of eyes on Dean Walsh. Making your pro debut can be a daunting experience. But, with the support of some family and supportive coaches, he knows he will be in good hands too. Unlike other pro boxers who start at four round fights, Walsh will be going straight into six-rounders. This idea alone is a testament to his own appetite and his desire, while he also has many hopes for his career in the pro ranks.

“My aim is to get these first 6 rounds out of the way on Dec 7th, then a couple more and then I’ll start looking at the domestic scene. I’ll hopefully get a shot at some kind of title by this time next year. I just want to do what I do best and that’s get out and box and to have people who actually know boxing and have been around boxing their whole lives, helping me make my career decisions will bring everything together. Having my Dad still in my corner alongside Jimmy is the icing on the cake, another dream we get to live together. That’s what it’s all about for me, making memories and being surrounded by a team with the same vision,” he said.

With hopes and dreams to land a potential domestic title fight within your first year of turning pro, he will have to be busy. He will likely have about five before he’s in contention for something like that, meaning that he could be extremely active over the next year. His journey to that goal starts in six weeks time in Waterford.

“Be there at the SETU Arena Waterford – the War in Waterford – on December 7th. It’s a stacked card…. Dylan Moran v Tyrone McKenna, Craig McCarthy v Graham McCormack and of course 3 Wexford men are ready for war too. I just can’t wait to be part of it all. Thanks to Conlan Boxing and Neil Power for allowing me to be part of this show,” he concluded.

Walsh was quick to mention that he will not be the only Wexford man on the card. Another Wexford town man, Dean Gonzalez Furlong, will also feature on the card as he hopes to go 2-0. Although not confirmed just yet, it is also believed that David ‘Bomber’ Kennedy will also feature on the exciting Waterford card. It would mean that Wexford’s three new professional boxers would all feature on the South East card, making it a memorable night.