Paddy Murphy on comeback, Jack Brubaker and Irish support

 
FOR most fighters, finding the motivation to return to the ring is often a prolonged process.

 
In the case of Sydney-based Irishman Paddy Murphy, it was just a matter of finding the right fight.

 
Murphy is now only days away from his return having spent the best part of sixteen months away from the squared circle. In that time, the 29-year-old has moved state, changed trainers and signed for a lucrative title tilt.

 
When asked what brought him to the sport, Murphy’s answer was simple.

 
“The fight against Jack took me back,” he said. “I had thought about starting training but I was busy with work and kept putting it off. When this offer came – I seen it as a fight that I was confident of winning – and I hit the gym.”

 
Murphy has spent this camp training under Rodney Williams, the man who guided Lucas Browne to a maiden heavyweight world title win last week. The Irishman is happy with his progress under the respected Williams.

 
“I’m training with Rodney Williams out in Blacktown,” added Murphy. “Matt Clark recommended him as he was training Lucas Browne and myself and Rodney clicked immediately,”

 
“Rodney is a really genuine, likeable guy and his passion for boxing impressed me.”

 
In Brubaker, Murphy (11-1-2, 5 KOs) is facing a fighter riding a wave of momentum, having put in a career-best perfomance against Xing Xin Yang last August in Melbourne. Murphy was full of praise for his younger opponent.

 
“Jack looked impressive in his last fight,” he continued. “He boxed well and got the guy out of there early, but this is a different fight altogether. We’re both of similar height and reach so there’s no advantage this time,”

 
“I’m comfortable fighting tall opponents, we’ll see how Jack is on Saturday night.”

 
For Murphy, it is somewhat fitting that his inevitable return has come on a card loaded with Irish talent. And while he isn’t the evenings headlining fight, the ten round OPBF welterweight title fight will top the undercard.

 
“The Irish feel to this show has me excited,” he concluded. “It’s a massive boost to me to have a few fellow countrymen in the changing room. We’ll give each other that extra bit of motivation,”

 
“Paul Nasari has put together an unbelievable card for Saturday night,”

 
“I’m privileged to be a part of this promotion and I’m keen to impress a Sydney audience for the first time.”

 
 
Photo: Rightcross Boxing