The Rocky Road

• Kieran Joyce - Cork's 'Boxer of the Century' - Part 2

  In Part 2 of The Rocky Road with Kieran Joyce, Cork’s Boxer of the Century, we tell the story of his career from the 1984 Olympics onwards, from Los Angeles to Seoul, where he boxed at his second Games. By then Kieran was a six-time Irish Elite champion and a dangerous man. He’d picked up experience all over the world and had beaten several future world professional champions – including Dublin’s Steve Collins. But again – spoiler alert – the dreaded split decision verdict was waiting in the wings for him. Kieran pulls back the curtain on a legendary amateur career, revealing his secrets and stories: why sugar was his weight-loss secret, and how he gave Wayne McCullough his ‘Pocket Rocket’ nickname (the bill’s in the post, Wayne). We delve into what made his Sunnyside BC coach, Albie Murphy, such a great influence, and the dedication his parents put into his, and his siblings’, lives. Kieran also discusses why he hung up his gloves while still a young man, why he probably doesn’t get enough credit as a coach, and why a move into the professional ranks just didn’t happen. Finally, in a poignant and moving segment, Kieran pays a deeply felt tribute to his beloved daughter, Emma, who tragically died in 2021 after contracting meningitis. This is a must-listen journey through triumph, heartbreak and resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Kieran Joyce - Cork's 'Boxer of the Century' - Part 1

  Kieran Joyce was named as Cork’s Boxer of the Century in 2014. A product of the Sunnyside Boxing Club, he boxed for Ireland at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and is fondly remembered by fans as arguably the most exciting boxer to ever grace the National Stadium. The Rocky Road visited Kieran at his home to hear his story: developing his strength early by working in the family coal business, coming from a family of 12 – six boys and six girls – and learning how to scrap, working under the great Albie Murphy and finding success, and meaning, in the boxing ring. Part 1 of Kieran’s story brings us right up to Los Angeles 1984, where he’d gone with one clear goal – to bring back gold to Fairhill in Cork. At that stage he was a two-time Irish senior champ (he’d ultimately win six in a row) and a European bronze medallist. He was throwing opponents around the ring like bags of coal. The Russians and Cubans were boycotting but there was a young American dangerman in his welterweight division by the name of Mark Breland. Joyce had no fear – let me at them, he said. But then, he met his match, and not for the last time: amateur boxing judges bearing split decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Tommy Kelleher - The Godfather of Cork Boxing

  The Rocky Road took a trip to the Rebel County to sit down with the Godfather of Cork Boxing, Tommy Kelleher. He’s been coaching for five decades and took his first steps in the sport more than 70 years ago. Tommy has coached more than 30 Irish champions and internationals and led Ireland’s boxers at the 1987 and 1988 Gaelic Youths before guiding the senior team to the 1989 World Championships in Moscow, where Michael Carruth claimed a bronze medal. We hear about Tommy’s boxing philosophy, how quickly he can spot the will to win in a young contender, setting a fighter’s nerves before the lonely walk to the ring, coaching a young Roy Keane, impressing Christy Ring, appearing on The Young Offenders and why he’s still putting his life and soul into coaching up-and-coming talents at the Glen Boxing Club on Cork’s northside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Zaur Antia - Your Work Here Is Done

  Zaur Antia – your mission is complete. You created universal boxers and delivered medals by the bucketload. Ten Olympic medals came Ireland’s way during your time in charge of the boxing team. As news filters through that the Georgian guru has stepped down as Irish boxing’s head honcho, The Rocky Road spoke with Beijing 2008 Olympian John Joe Joyce, who was there on his first day in Ireland 22 years ago, to hear the incredible, remarkable story of Zaur. How a man with no English could command a room of young boxers. How he convinced them to back themselves, trust their skills, dedicate themselves and keep improving via the skills he was imparting, and the discipline he demanded from them. How he led the way as Ireland won an astounding ten Olympic medals during his time with the team. John Joe takes us from the early days to the current ones, as it’s turned full circle now and his club boxer, Patsy Joyce, recently bagged one of Antia’s final medals as Ireland’s king of the cornermen. He reckons the Georgian is Irish boxing's Jack Charlton. But we know there's only one Zaur Antia – and we salute you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn 2 Preview

  Veteran boxing journalist Wally Downes Jr of The Sun joins The Rocky Road to break down this Saturday’s rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. Wally discusses the intense rivalry between the duo – or is it – along with the promotion’s lack of media engagement ahead of the showdown. Curious, or intentional? We also wonder if non-title money fights are the way forward for big-name fighters in the business before Wally makes what might be the first comparison between UK boxing and FFP in football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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