Newly-crowned Celtic welterweight champion Martin Harkin has afforded himself some much-deserved time off after his incredible fourth round knockout win over Ally Black in Glasgow at the end of May - even if it was just one week.
The 27-year-old, who had seen three bouts for the Celtic title all called off, put in four tough back-to-back training camps since October before finally getting his opportunity at the belt and taking it convincingly.
The stoppage win over Black was just Harkin’s second fight since last October with a straightforward tune-up win over Nicaragua’s Miguel Aguilar in January his only other outing.
READ MORE: Martin Harkin wins Celtic title after devastating knockout
And that lack of activity has played a major part in the Dumbarton fighter’s decision to take such little time off after the biggest win of his career.
“I don’t want to lose any momentum now,” Harkin told Reporter Sport. “I’m only going to take a week off for that reason.
“I’ve been working tirelessly in the gym and sparring since last October so I’ll give myself a wee rest and not worry too much about my diet or the scales for a week or so.
“It’s been such a long road to get to this stage and I’m still over the moon but I’ll be back in the gym soon to keep myself ticking over and make sure I’m always ready to go.”
After months of chasing the title, the ball is most definitely in Harkin’s court now as reigning champ.
Holding a title ensures that all bargaining power now lies with him with Harkin eyeing a tilt at the BBBofC British title currently held by Welshman Chris Jenkins.
“Ideally I would like to get back in the ring in the next couple of months,” Harkin continued. “I don’t want to take too long out, that’s just not me at all.
“The ball is in my court now so I can start pushing for the British shot and even if that doesn’t pan out then I can look for fights that suit me - I only want fights now that will help my career progress.”
Looking back at the biggest night of his professional life, the champ fondly recalls the moment he lifted the Celtic belt with all his family and friends cheering on from ringside.
Harkin continually spoke of his desire to not only win the belt but to do so in style and make a statement at domestic level. And he did just that with a savage knockout that has since gone viral.
He added: “It was an amazing feeling to get the win in front of all my family and friends. To do it in that fashion in front of all my supporters and hear them all screaming at the side of the ring was a feeling I’d never experienced before. They were all so happy for me and I’ve had so many people reach out and compliment the knockout - it’s gone a bit viral I think.
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“I’ve had messages from people telling me it could be knockout of the year and my manager said it was a highlight reel punch.
“I was a bit concerned for Ally as the paramedics were in but everyone gave him a standing ovation when he got up so I’m thankful for that.”
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