There weren’t actually too many negatives to eradicate however Cheyanne O’Neill [0-0-1] was nonetheless eager to intensify the positives after her professional debut final weekend.
The made for the professional welter needed to share the spoils together with her debut opponent however didn’t let that spoil what was a giant evening for her – and she or he assures followers that the very fact she didn’t have her hand raised doesn’t imply she gained’t elevate hell at a excessive degree additional down the road.
O’Neill made her professional bow in Glasgow on a Kynoch-Probellum invoice and was held to a draw, not a foul end result contemplating she hadn’t felt aggressive canvas beneath her toes for nigh on 5 years, fought over six for the primary time ever, and was in in opposition to Lithuanian Vaida Masiokaite [2(1)-16(1)-5], a fighter with a level in irritating opponents.
On the identical time, it wasn’t the assertion begin many had predicted or her crew had hoped for. For these not within the know and non-fluent in boxrec, the Athlone native couldn’t defeat a journeywoman who solely has two wins on her slate.
Nonetheless, a deeper look into the Baltic boxer’s document exhibits she has been extraordinarily busy on the British circuit, taking rounds off Ebonie Jones and Natasha Jonas final yr. Extra lately she was whitewashed by prime prospect Caroline Dubois however gave one other debutant in Kirsty Hill an actual scare final month when she got here out the mistaken facet of a 58-57 scorecard
To struggle such an opponent in your debut final minute was all the time going to be robust, ‘Chaz’ is conscious of that, and whereas she is disillusioned to not get the win, she stays upbeat.
“After all everybody needs their debut to be nothing much less then a W, however there are additionally many individuals who don’t struggle opponents with expertise for the primary few fights, so for me to get within the ring after 4-5 years inactivity with numerous opponent modifications and a weight change final minute, I’m blissful to have realized from a draw,” she explains to Irish-boxing.com.
“I really feel my efficiency wasn’t nearly as good as I had hoped for it to be. I did really feel the years out of the ring and I did really feel the inexperience as a professional. I had some novice habits however I did some actually good things to. It’s an enormous studying curve for me, that’s what’s necessary for me. I need to construct my profession and my profile, we will solely develop from right here.”
It’s not only a ‘we don’t lose we be taught’ soundbyte from the soldier, O’Neill actually did relish the debut expertise, and never securing the win wasn’t ever going to drive her to alter the mission assertion.
“I completely beloved the expertise,” she assures.
“I obtained shivers throughout my ring entrance. The environment was unbelievable, one thing I’ve by no means felt earlier than. The help from my crew, from my household and mates who travelled, and from all of my family and friends at house was all unbelievable. I’m nonetheless replying to messages. I recognize each final one, it’s wonderful. We now have a giant future on this sport the one approach is up. It’s been a really proud weekend for me.”
The Elite finalist and EU Youth silver medallist was prepared to go within the deep finish early in opposition to unbeaten African Video games medallist Nancy Moreira however had a late change of opponent.
It meant a change in weight and though Moreira has extra novice pedigree the alternative had an abundance extra by the use of expertise.
O’Neill, 26, stays adamant she has the beating of Masiokaite and though relucant to present excuses does admit a messy struggle week wasn’t condusive to peak efficiency.
“Each fighter who steps into the ring is hard, she took some huge proper palms however she had the expertise to know when she was harm and it stood to her,” she provides when discussing her opponent.
“The change in weight was the most important factor for us within the week however it was necessary we obtained out and obtained my debut performed so we did what we needed to,” she continues earlier than ensuring to push out one other optimistic.
“I beloved the environment and the expertise of struggle week it was all new to me, one thing Iv by no means skilled earlier than.”
Discussing the variations between the novice and professional expertise she stated: “Funnily sufficient the no headgear and smaller gloves didn’t section me in any respect. I feel for me it’s the distinction in environment, the kinds, there isn’t a leaping in and dashing with punches. There’s a big distinction within the precise boxing I felt.”
The Robbie Flynn managed prospects subsequent transfer? A return to the gymnasium the place she plans to be taught and develop.
“The following factor for me is to maintain working with my crew, my coach Will Jones on enhancing my abilities, proceed sparring and coaching in order that I achieve the expertise I would like as an expert. My managers are doing an incredible job and I’ve little question will proceed to take action for the subsequent struggle. We work properly collectively and consider in one another and that’s what’s necessary right here. We all know what’s wanted going ahead and I’ve little question we’ll proceed to tick the bins. We be taught and we develop!”
