Oisin Fagan
Encyclopedia
Oisin Fagan, nickname
d "Gael Force", is an Irish
professional boxer
based in Oklahoma City
, U.S., who fights in the light welterweight
and lightweight
divisions.
, Oisin Fagan, a grade school teacher by profession, is based in Oklahoma
.
At the age of 12, Fagan moved to Portmarnock
and began to play for a number of football
clubs such as, Glebe North, St. Malachy's and Portmarnock F.C. Fagan then travelled to the US on a football
(soccer) scholarship
to undertake Bachelors Degree's in Physical Education
and Political Journalism
at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
.
During his time at university Fagan was twice awarded the All American Scholar Athlete award, as well as chosen to represent the regional All Star team. Following the completion of his degrees course Fagan then turned his attention towards boxing.
career before turning professional in February 2003, winning his first fight at the AMC Flea Market in Oklahoma City
, when he knocked out fellow debutant Sheldon Mosley.
Fagan's first loss came against Isaac Mendoza in July 2003. Mendoza gave Fagan which broke his nose and cheekbone in three places. Fagan refused to have the fight stopped until the bout was over however with ten seconds to go in the fight the referee called a halt to the fight due to the loss of blood.
After Fagan's first nine pro fights he had a patchy record of six wins and three losses including a points defeat to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Following this mediocre start to his career and a defeat to Derrick Moon in October 2004, Fagan had considered quitting boxing but was encouraged to continue by former world champion Wayne McCullough
. Fagan then went to train with McCullough and found a new drive behind his boxing and decided to give boxing one final chance.
title. The venue was sold out and the atmosphere was charged. Cargle landed the first meaningful blows of the fight when he caught Fagan with a surprise right hand, which landed flush on his jaw. Fagan thought the fight was over but shuck it off and returned with a number of flurries to win the opening round.
Fagan continued to throw jab
s to the body and the head and controlled much of the middle of the fight. In the third after Fagan almost floored Cargle, Cargle smiled at Fagan and said "man, I'm not going anywhere - you ain't knocking me out!" to which Fagan laughed and replied "maybe not, but I'm gonna try my best".
Cargle began to showboat
in the fourth and pushed Fagan hard in the fifth but Fagan was again dominant in the sixth and final round when he caught Cargle with combination and landed a straight right which cut with opponent. Despite the tough fight Fagan took the title belt by unanimous decision with a margin of 60-54 on all score cards. The venue erupted on hearing the decision with table top celebrations and Irish tricolours waving as Fagan was swamped by his cheering school pupils.
title in June 2006. The Irish title had been vacated by unbeaten fellow Dubliner Robbie Murray
to allow Fagan and Peter McDonagh
to fight for the title. However, McDonagh pulled out of the fight and Fagan faced Jeff Thomas
for the title. Fagan was furious over McDonagh's withdrawal, stating;
An angry Fagan won the Irish title in front of his friends and family with a knockout victory in round seven against Thomas at the National Stadium
, Dublin.
He then earned a shot at highly touted and unbeaten former IBF lightweight title holder Paul Spadafora
.
In March 2007, Fagan suffered a loss to Paul Spadafora
in a split decision over ten rounds.
at the London ExCel Arena. Khan dominated the whole the fight and stopped Fagan in the 2nd round. Fagan was also knocked down twice in the 1st round by a quick fury of punches from Khan. Fagan's corner threw in the towel early during the 2nd. It was later revealed that Fagan had broken his leg as a result of the first knockdown and this seriously hurt his balance.
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
d "Gael Force", is an Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
professional boxer
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
based in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma city
Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma.Oklahoma City may also refer to:*Oklahoma City metropolitan area*Downtown Oklahoma City*Uptown Oklahoma City*Oklahoma City bombing*Oklahoma City National Memorial...
, U.S., who fights in the light welterweight
Light welterweight
-Professional boxing:The light welterweight class is a weight division in professional boxing that has a limit of 63.5 kg or 140 pounds...
and lightweight
Lightweight
Light-weight is a class of athletes in a particular sport, based on their weight.-Professional boxing:The lightweight division is over 130 pounds and up to 135 pounds weight class in the sport of boxing....
divisions.
Background
Although a native Dubliner from TallaghtTallaght
Tallaght is the largest town, and county town, of South Dublin County, Ireland. The village area, dating from at least the 17th century, held one of the earliest settlements known in the southern part of the island, and one of medieval Ireland's more important monastic centres.Up to the 1960s...
, Oisin Fagan, a grade school teacher by profession, is based in Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
.
At the age of 12, Fagan moved to Portmarnock
Portmarnock
Portmarnock is a small suburban village to the north of Dublin, Ireland. It is in the administrative county of Fingal.-Location:Portmarnock lies on the coast and, owing to its proximity to Dublin city, is a form of dormitory village north-northeast of the city centre...
and began to play for a number of football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
clubs such as, Glebe North, St. Malachy's and Portmarnock F.C. Fagan then travelled to the US on a football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
(soccer) scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
to undertake Bachelors Degree's in Physical Education
Physical education
Physical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....
and Political Journalism
Journalism
Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, or USAO, is a public liberal arts college located in Chickasha, Oklahoma. It is the only public college with a strictly liberal arts-focused curriculum in Oklahoma. It provides Bachelor's Degrees and many students move on to graduate schools across...
.
During his time at university Fagan was twice awarded the All American Scholar Athlete award, as well as chosen to represent the regional All Star team. Following the completion of his degrees course Fagan then turned his attention towards boxing.
Debut fights
Fagan had only three fights in his amateurAmateur boxing
Amateur boxing is practised at the collegiate level, at the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, and in many other venues sponsored by amateur boxing associations. Amateur boxing bouts are short in duration and fighters wear head protection, so this type of competition prizes point-scoring rather...
career before turning professional in February 2003, winning his first fight at the AMC Flea Market in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma city
Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma.Oklahoma City may also refer to:*Oklahoma City metropolitan area*Downtown Oklahoma City*Uptown Oklahoma City*Oklahoma City bombing*Oklahoma City National Memorial...
, when he knocked out fellow debutant Sheldon Mosley.
Fagan's first loss came against Isaac Mendoza in July 2003. Mendoza gave Fagan which broke his nose and cheekbone in three places. Fagan refused to have the fight stopped until the bout was over however with ten seconds to go in the fight the referee called a halt to the fight due to the loss of blood.
After Fagan's first nine pro fights he had a patchy record of six wins and three losses including a points defeat to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Following this mediocre start to his career and a defeat to Derrick Moon in October 2004, Fagan had considered quitting boxing but was encouraged to continue by former world champion Wayne McCullough
Wayne McCullough
Wayne William McCullough is a professional boxer. During his professional career, which spans back to 1993, he held the WBC title in the Bantamweight category...
. Fagan then went to train with McCullough and found a new drive behind his boxing and decided to give boxing one final chance.
Oklahoma State lightweight title
Fagan then fought for his first title belt in December 2004 against Lee Cargle for the vacant Oklahoma State lightweightLightweight
Light-weight is a class of athletes in a particular sport, based on their weight.-Professional boxing:The lightweight division is over 130 pounds and up to 135 pounds weight class in the sport of boxing....
title. The venue was sold out and the atmosphere was charged. Cargle landed the first meaningful blows of the fight when he caught Fagan with a surprise right hand, which landed flush on his jaw. Fagan thought the fight was over but shuck it off and returned with a number of flurries to win the opening round.
Fagan continued to throw jab
Jab
A jab is a type of punch used in the martial arts.Several variations of the jab exist, but every jab shares these characteristics: while in a fighting stance, the lead fist is thrown straight ahead and the arm is fully extended...
s to the body and the head and controlled much of the middle of the fight. In the third after Fagan almost floored Cargle, Cargle smiled at Fagan and said "man, I'm not going anywhere - you ain't knocking me out!" to which Fagan laughed and replied "maybe not, but I'm gonna try my best".
Cargle began to showboat
Showboat
A showboat, or show boat, was a form of theater that traveled along the waterways of the United States, especially along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers . A showboat was basically a barge that resembled a long, flat-roofed house, and in order to move down the river, it was pushed by a small tugboat...
in the fourth and pushed Fagan hard in the fifth but Fagan was again dominant in the sixth and final round when he caught Cargle with combination and landed a straight right which cut with opponent. Despite the tough fight Fagan took the title belt by unanimous decision with a margin of 60-54 on all score cards. The venue erupted on hearing the decision with table top celebrations and Irish tricolours waving as Fagan was swamped by his cheering school pupils.
Irish light welterweight title
After winning the Oklahoma State title, Fagan went on a run seven straight wins before we was handed a shot at the vacant Irish light welterweightIrish Amateur Boxing Association
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association is the governing body of amateur boxing in Ireland. It was founded in 1911 following a meeting in Dublin.-Structure:...
title in June 2006. The Irish title had been vacated by unbeaten fellow Dubliner Robbie Murray
Robbie Murray
"The Flurry" Robbie Murray born in Dublin, Ireland is an Irish professional boxer in the welterweight division. Murray has now moved to the welterweight but all of his fights as a professional were fought in the welterweight division.-Background:Murray was born into a large family from...
to allow Fagan and Peter McDonagh
Peter McDonagh
Peter McDonagh in Galway, Ireland is a professional boxer. He usually fights at lightweight or the divisions either side.-First professional fight:...
to fight for the title. However, McDonagh pulled out of the fight and Fagan faced Jeff Thomas
Jeff Thomas
Jeff Thomas is a former British professional boxer from Lytham St. Anne's in Lancashire.Thomas fought at light welterweight and was a challenger for the Irish light welterweight title and the British Masters super featherweight and light welterweight titles.-Background:Thomas was born in...
for the title. Fagan was furious over McDonagh's withdrawal, stating;
An angry Fagan won the Irish title in front of his friends and family with a knockout victory in round seven against Thomas at the National Stadium
National Stadium (Ireland)
The National Stadium or National boxing Stadium is one of Ireland's best known boxing venues.The National Stadium was the first purpose built boxing stadium in the world and was opened by Frank Aiken in 1939.-Venue:...
, Dublin.
Spadafora fight
Fagan returned to the US after winning the Irish title and defeated Brian Paul in Tulsa with a second round KO.He then earned a shot at highly touted and unbeaten former IBF lightweight title holder Paul Spadafora
Paul Spadafora
Paul Spadafora is a native of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania who is a professional boxer. Spadafora was the IBF's world Lightweight champion.-Personal background:...
.
In March 2007, Fagan suffered a loss to Paul Spadafora
Paul Spadafora
Paul Spadafora is a native of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania who is a professional boxer. Spadafora was the IBF's world Lightweight champion.-Personal background:...
in a split decision over ten rounds.
Khan fight
He faced Britain's Amir KhanAmir Khan (boxer)
Amir Iqbal Khan , is a British Pakistani professional boxer who is currently the unified WBA & IBF light welterweight champion....
at the London ExCel Arena. Khan dominated the whole the fight and stopped Fagan in the 2nd round. Fagan was also knocked down twice in the 1st round by a quick fury of punches from Khan. Fagan's corner threw in the towel early during the 2nd. It was later revealed that Fagan had broken his leg as a result of the first knockdown and this seriously hurt his balance.
External links
- http://www.kfor.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?clipid1=375437&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Irish%2Bimmigrant%2B%27fights%27%2Bhis%2Bway%2Bthrough%2Bobstacles&d1=142800&redirUrl=www.kfor.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&playerVersion=8&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.kfor.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp%3Fclipid1%3D375437%26at1%3DNews%26vt1%3Dv%26h1%3DIrish%252Bimmigrant%252B%2527fights%2527%252Bhis%252Bway%252Bthrough%252Bobstacles%26d1%3D142800%26redirUrl%3Dwww.kfor.com%26activePane%3Dinfo%26LaunchPageAdTag%3Dhomepage&rnd=49277815Oisin Fagan interview] on KFOR-TVKFOR-TVKFOR-TV, virtual channel 4 , is the NBC-affiliated television station in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. KFOR-TV is owned by Local TV, a subsidiary of the private equity group Oak Hill Capital Partners, in a duopoly with MyNetworkTV affiliate KAUT-TV ; its studios are located at 444 East Britton Road in...
for St. Patrick's Day - Current Irish professional