Life after Prizefighter for champion Rogan - 15/07/2008

MARTIN ROGAN believes winning the first Prizefighter tournament has changed his life.

The competition featured eight British heavyweights fighting in an evening of quick-fire, thrilling tournament boxing, with all the action screened on Sky Sports.

Each contest lasted a maximum of 3×3 minute rounds with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all taking place inside three hours at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.

Rogan was the champion after beating Alex Ibbs, David Ferguson and then winning a sensational final against Sunderland’s David Dolan on points.

After an incredible fight both Rogan and Dolan were given a standing ovation by the York Hall crowd, a rare occurance in recent British heavyweight history.

“Everyone in Belfast has shaken my hand or waved at me,” said Rogan. “It has been brilliant and so many people watched the programme.

“I’ve actually had people that do not usually watch boxing say ‘when is the show going to be on again’ and ‘I wish it was on every week’.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in Belfast that didn’t see it. Everyone thought it was so exciting, not just because I fought, but the whole set up. This is what’s going to keep boxing alive.

“I’m a good boxer but in this tournament you had to go out and fight and excite the crowd.

“I would like to thank all the fans for their support. It was an absolutely brilliant night.”

Rogan, who is known as The Entertainer, won £25,000 by becoming Prizefighter Champion and believes it will change the course of his boxing career.

He had been a part-time taxi driver and actor and had contemplated quitting the sport due to a lack of available fights.

“I would like to think I could be Irish and British Champion and heading towards the Commonwealth title by the end of the year.”

Just after Rogan’s Prizefighter victory he was guest of honour at one of the rounds of Premier League Darts.

Rogan was introduced to the crowd of 6,000 at a sold out Odyssey Arena in his home city of Belfast before the action starts.