A Loveable Rogue

Three years ago Martin Rogan was only known or important to pedestrians who needed him to drive them someplace in his cab. The only threat he posed to people were the poor souls who tried to stiff him on a fare. Rogan didn’t box until his 27th birthday, and did not turn pro until age 33 because his mother forbade Rogan from entering the ring to protect him from harm. That concern now falls on the mother of the man in the other corner. Rogan came to attention of fans by winning a televised “Prizefighter” show (a one night single elimination tourney), in which Rogan’s aggression and charisma shone through. That appearance catapulted Rogan into a fight against former Olympic Gold medalist Audley Harrison, which Rogan edged in thrilling come from behind fashion. The victory made Rogan a nationwide sensation, and he followed that with a come from behind knockout victory over odd’s on favorite Matt Skelton (who had went the distance with Ruslan Chagaev).

The electrifying upset of Skelton netted Rogan the respected Commonwealth title, and made the Irishman a real player on the European heavyweight market. Which, of course, currently dominates the heavyweight scene worldwide, with all four alphabet titles in the hands of European boxers. Rogan is a poor bet to dethrone a Klitschko, but he is not alone in that category and would certainly show more effort and pride then some title challengers of the recent past. Despite not growing up in the sport, Rogan is a throwback fighter in the best British tradition. An honest sportsman, who gives his best and works without uttering a word of complaint. Rogan understands boxing and boxers. "I admire anybody that steps between those ropes because it takes so much courage. You have to dig to the bottom of your soul whenever you are in there to produce the goods." It’s easy to envision Rogan sharing the ring with past British greats like Sir Henry Cooper, Joe Bugner, Richard Dunn, Brian London, or even a Tommy Farr.

The mauling style Rogan employs has earned him the ring moniker of “The Entertainer”. Rogan is proud that he forces opponents into action, if for no other reason than self preservation on their part. A Rogan attack does not consist of short bursts of three and four punch combinations, nor does Rogan wait to throw a punch until he is positive the blow will land. Rogan simply punches when in range, and is not as concerned as to where the blow lands as much as that the punch connects. A thudding jab to the shoulder works as well for Rogan as a hook to the ribs, staying in striking distance of opponents is the key to Rogan’s success. In this regard Rogan’s astute feet and lateral movement are an undervalued asset. Just as Rogan is to Irish boxing, who gives back to the community by visiting schools and encouraging children. "Just giving them a bit of time to let them know that I was the same as them, and this is what they can achieve if they believe in themselves."

The opponents mindset plays a role in Rogan’s success, by the time foes realize they are in a tough fight Rogan is on top of them and impossible to shake. In the opening rounds superior boxers like Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton had their way, employing advantages in speed and ring generalship to land punches at a high percentage. As the rounds wear on adversaries inevitably slow down…, Rogan does not. The pressure Rogan applies is remarkably consistent, punches in the tenth round travel the same route and speed as ones in the first. As opponent tire they become hesitant and weary of Rogan’s sudden accuracy and power. It’s followed by mental incertitude, and creeping doubts about their own prowess given their early dominance. Rogan is boxing’s more violent analogy to the classic hare versus tortoise fable.

Former trainer John Breen, who molded five world titlists, thinks it is Rogan’s self confidence that makes him special. "If I say to Martin can you move that mountain, he’d say ’Aye’. He believes he can do anything and thank God it’s working out that way. Martin makes you believe in him. He gives you that much confidence." Promoter Frank Warren, who has had a hand in every great fighter to emerge from Britain over the last two decades, believes in Rogan as well, and thinks a world title shot is a possibility. “If David Haye can get a shot at the World title after just one fight as a heavyweight, then I don’t see why Martin Rogan can’t get a shot if he beats Sexton.” Those are lofty goals, and before it can to fruition Rogan has to get by the only man to hand Rogan a loss as a pro.

Saturday’s fight against Sam Sexton is a rematch of a controversial contest, which Rogan supporters contend he lost because of his good nature. Their first meeting was an intriguing struggle, featuring swings in momentum and sustained two way action that Sexton was getting the better of. The turning point came in the eighth round, after Rogan landed a right-hand-left-hook combination which left Sexton hurt and helpless in the neutral corner. Then Referee Dave Paris stepped in to warn Rogan for a blow to the back of Sexton’s head, after Sexton had clearly turned his back to Rogan, which gave Sexton a ten second respite. Rogan again caught up to Sexton, and seemed only one punch away from finishing Sexton. Impulsively Rogan backed away without throwing a punch to allow Sexton to replace a gum shield he spit out. Opportunity gone, and in the next round the ringside doctor ordered the fight stopped due to Rogan’s badly damaged left eye.

Rogan enters the rematch minus trainer John Breen, replaced by Paul McCullough, which is not generally a good sign for boxers. However, Rogan says the split was amicable, and that his training and preparation for the Sexton rematch was superb. Rogan also believes he had the upper hand when the first fight was stopped. Telling the Belfast Telegraph, “In May he was out on his feet, and when I sportingly gave him a way back the referee took the wrong man to the doctor.” Sexton, of course, sees it differently. “He had one good round, and hasn’t stopped moaning since about being hard done by even though I bashed him up and made things look easy. I boxed his head off, and I’ll do the same in the rematch. I’m much fitter now. I’m going to break Rogan’s heart.” Neither man lacks for confidence, or belief in their perpetration for the big event.

Even if is this proves to be the zenith of Rogan’s career, and he slowly fades into memory, Rogan told the press he can fall back on his self described acting career (playing some bit roles in local productions). "I’m always acting. Acting the eejit (idiot)." The immensely likeable Rogan sees his role beyond this fight, and understands how important the rematch is to boxing in Northern Ireland. “I think when I win it will give Irish boxing a big boost. I’m the only heavyweight in Ireland, and the fact is my achievements have boosted amateur clubs in the North.” A fact no one could have imagined a mere 18 months ago. But then real life Rocky stories are never planned.