Irish fighter TJ Doheny's shot at attention

Having started his pro career in Australia - TJ Doheny has never fought professionally in Europe, let alone Ireland - he largely went unnoticed as he ground his way into world title contention

TJ Doheny celebrates after beating Ryosuke Iwasa. Pic: Getty

An unbeaten Irish fighter with a legitimate world title being under the radar isn’t common, but TJ Doheny is a rare breed.

The Portlaoise fighter, 20-0 (14 KOs), took the IBF super bantamweight title in the legendary* Korakuen Hall last summer. His career arc, however, meant the 32-year-old was mostly unheard of on these shores, especially outside of Laois, until he claimed the belt from Ryosuke Isawa.

* It’s a wildly overused word ...