IRELAND’S JOHN JOE Nevin was in buoyant form after beating Oscar Valdez Fierro and securing Ireland’s first medal at the London Olympics, declaring: “I want to be the best in the world.
“It’s like that song Queen sings, ‘I Want it All,’ I want every bit of it,” he added.
Speaking to TheScore.ie’s Will Downing, Nevin also revealed he took inspiration from his late cousin, who sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 25.
“He was meant to be here,” he said. “I’d like to thank him because I know it means a lot and he should’ve been here. I said it at his funeral: ‘hopefully he’s with me.’ And I know he’s there.
“He said to me before: ‘You’re the best in the world John Joe, don’t forget that.’ And it was him that inspired me into boxing. The likes of him and ‘my God’ Kenneth Egan, as I call him.
“Some lads wanted me to go professional, but I hung on, and I said hopefully I won’t get off the back of the plane,” he added.
Nevin also had high praise for his opponent, saying:
“Oscar Valdez is a very tough opponent and he’s going to be world champion some day in the professional ranks.”He continued: “I was extremely disappointed after the first round when it was five all, as I could’ve been up
And the boxer also hinted his best form is yet to come, saying: “Hopefully I can just keep getting better as it goes along.”
Nevin becomes Ireland’s 24th medal winner in history, and while being guaranteed a bronze, is only two fights away from winning gold.
So so proud of you Séan, it’s been a joy to watch you grow up and become the man are today x
Disappointed insurance hasn’t been sorted out these days. What’s it going to take…
Best of luck with whatever you do. Your story needs to be told to all young players out there who dream of nothing more than football there has to be a back up plan just in case it all goes belly up. Poor form on the club and the insurance too and the response from the FAI well say no more. There should a player welfare officer for LOI players for issues like this..
@Jill Elliott: There is a new excellent player welfare manager with the PFAI to hopefully tackle some of the issues and provide awareness and guidance to players on career pathways. This lad would be brilliant to speak to players in our league to highlight the realities of playing football in Ireland. Longer term the FAI needs to provide player welfare and assistance to all players.
@Jill Elliott: There is an excellent new player welfare manager with the PFAI who will be tackling these issues and provide guidance and expertise to players. This lad would be brilliant to be brought out to talk to players in our league to highlight the good and the stark realities of playing football in Ireland. Long term the FAI needs to have a player welfare and education role for all players here and abroad.
I have to say Sean , as a limerick man I’m surprised that you being a dub has got involved in a schoolboy team , u 13 s In limerick , not that it’s a bad thing . I urge you to keep faith in what you love , the rest will follow.I have great admiration for what your dad Martin did for soccer in limerick , his philosophy lacked a plan B ,and off the field he had problems , and so did pat o Sullivan . Limerick is a proud city and a great sporting city , lovely to have you aboard .2021 will be a new chapter for soccer in this city , watch this space .hail , hail .
You’ll have long term effects of your first ACL whether you get a second one done or not.
Sorry but it is a fickle career so what did he expect, the pressure on these young men is outrageous!
@Carol Cunningham: nice sentiments
@Carol Cunningham: what an omlette you are
The best league in the world
Use your experiences to help others in the football world. It will make a huge difference. Use your ideas about guidance to get the PFAI to start helping others. Get all your coaching badges as I believe you will make a great coach. Best wishes.