The Irish heavyweight division has another promising contender that is beginning to make his presence felt. Dublin’s Daniel Fakoyede has made a strong start to life in the paid ranks, compiling a perfect 3-0 (2 KOs) record, with his aggressive, all-action style already catching the eye.
It is an impressive rise for someone who only discovered boxing in his early twenties.
“I was actually a late starter in boxing,” Fakoyede told us. “I started boxing when I was 21, just after I finished college, and I was looking for a sport to keep me fit because I used to play basketball for basically my whole childhood before then. But after college, I just fell out of love with basketball.”
Despite growing up with a boxing gym on his doorstep, it took years before he finally walked through the doors.
“There was always a gym literally right in front of my house growing up, but I wasn’t allowed to go because my ma didn’t let me when I was younger, so I just never went. I went with one of my mates one day just to try it out, and I enjoyed it. It was hard work, it was tough, but that’s how I got started in boxing. That was Westside Boxing Club with head coach Frank Stacey. He was the one who really shaped my interest in boxing from then on.”
Fakoyede admits boxing wasn’t a lifelong obsession. Instead, he found the sport after years of naturally gravitating towards confrontation.
“I wasn’t big into boxing much growing up. I used to watch the Anthony Joshua fights and the odd fight. I was more of a street fighter and easily drawn into fights. My street record was around 45 wins and one loss. I was always someone who was up for a scrap. Boxing gave me the thrill I got out of fighting in a more controlled environment.”
That mentality has translated into an entertaining start to his professional career. Two of his three victories have come inside the distance and he has no intention of changing his approach.
“I’m now 3-0 as a professional, with two victories coming by knockout, and I’ve loved every minute of the journey so far. I’ll be back in action this autumn, with the date set to be announced very soon, so keep an eye out for that.”
“As always, the fans can expect fireworks, thunder and lightning. I will go in looking for the knockout as usual. The plan is for my next bout to be a six-rounder and I will be going for the knockout.”
The timing couldn’t be better for an ambitious Irish heavyweight. Professional boxing in Ireland continues to enjoy a resurgence, with domestic promoters delivering regular shows and major events returning to the country’s biggest venues.
“Boxing in Ireland is buzzing at the moment,” Fakoyede said. “The domestic scene has never been stronger, with regular shows being promoted by the likes of Conlan Sports, JB Boxing Promotions and Sheer Sports Promotions. It feels like there’s a professional boxing event taking place almost every month at the moment.”
“On top of that, there are some huge events on the horizon. We’ve got major fight nights in the 3Arena and, of course, Katie Taylor headlining Croke Park in September. It’s an exciting time to be involved in Irish boxing, and those big occasions shine a spotlight on the incredible talent coming through the country.”
“Ireland has always produced world-class fighters, but now more people around the world are paying attention to the depth of talent coming through the amateur and professional ranks. That’s only going to create more opportunities for the next generation. I’m proud to be part of it.”
One accolade that particularly appeals to Fakoyede is the vacant Irish heavyweight title, a belt he believes still carries tremendous prestige.
“The Irish heavyweight title has been vacant for a number of years. Tyson Fury was the last holder of the belt. To have your name alongside the great Irish heavyweights who have held that title would be a huge honour.”
“With only a handful of active Irish heavyweights on the professional scene at the moment, it’s definitely a fight I’d welcome if the opportunity presented itself. Winning the Irish heavyweight title would be a major achievement and bring a lot of prestige. It’s a title that means a lot to Irish boxing, and I’d love the chance to compete for it. If that opportunity comes, there’ll be no hesitation from my side.”
For now, the immediate objective is simple: remain active, continue improving and build momentum before chasing championship honours.
“I’ve had two fights already this year, and the plan is to have another two or three before the end of the year. It will give me good momentum going into next year where I want to be challenging for titles.”
“The plan is to stay as active as possible and hopefully catch the eye of a promoter. If you don’t have a promoter to push you, build your fanbase and help you sell tickets, it’s very, very hard on you. Without the promoter, you have to do it all yourself. You’re training, preparing for fights, promoting yourself, selling tickets and building your profile.”
Confident in his ability, Fakoyede is convinced the hard work will eventually pay dividends.
“But I believe my talent is going to get me to where I want to go and that is to the very top.”
With an unbeaten record, knockout power and another outing expected this autumn, Daniel Fakoyede is quietly building momentum. As Irish boxing continues to flourish, the Dublin heavyweight is determined to ensure he is part of its next wave of success.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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