Conor Quinn’s Championship Aspirations
Conor Quinn’s aspirations for the Commonwealth flyweight championship have taken a hit ahead of his bout against Jake Dodd on Friday night in Belfast. The 28-year-old boxer was unable to meet the required weight limit of 8st (50.8 kg), coming in at 112.8 pounds during the weigh-in. He returned after a one-hour grace period but managed to reduce his weight only to 112.4 pounds. Consequently, the title will exclusively be contested by Dodd at the Waterfront Hall, leaving Quinn to compete without the championship on the line.
Quinn’s Journey and Recent Performance
Quinn has been eager to bounce back after suffering his first professional loss to Conner Kelsall in a 2024 title fight, marking a significant moment in his career that includes 10 victories and a draw. Since that setback, he has only been in the ring once, where he secured a straightforward win against Sean Jackson in February 2025. While it is disappointing not to have an opportunity for redemption this week, Quinn is focused on demonstrating the skills he has honed under the guidance of his coach, Ryan Burnett—a former unified world bantamweight champion.
“Every day in the gym is an opportunity to learn something new,”
Quinn expressed to BBC Sport NI, highlighting the confidence his coach brings. Burnett’s wealth of experience, gathered from battling at the highest levels of the sport, has profoundly impacted Quinn’s preparations. He acknowledges the hard work that often goes unnoticed in the quest for glory, reminding himself of the countless rounds of sparring and lessons that are vital to succeed.
Looking Ahead to the Dodd Fight
Looking to his upcoming fight, he reflected on the loss to Kelsall, noting that it was a pivotal learning experience. Kelsall’s elusive tactics left Quinn scrambling, but he enters the Dodd fight better prepared to address various styles. Dodd, hailing from Wales, remains undefeated with six professional wins against lesser foes. This upcoming match represents a significant escalation for him, bringing about questions of strategy as he pits his skills against a more seasoned opponent.
“I encountered an unorthodox style against Kelsall that took me by surprise, but that setback opened my eyes to areas I need to improve.”
As he prepares for this fight, Quinn believes he is now equipped to handle Dodd’s aggressive approach, stating confidently, “I think it plays in my favour.”
Conclusion
In a landscape filled with uncertainties, Quinn aims not just to reclaim his path towards title contention, but also to prove that he has grown as a fighter through experience and hard work.
