NEWPORT’S Sean McGoldrick is hungry for more titles after becoming the first boxer from the city to win a British title since 1983, writes Andrew Penman.

McGoldrick won the vacant British and Commonwealth bantamweight belts by beating Scotland’s Scott Allan on points at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff in February.

And, after taking time out to allow a hand injury to heal, the 31-year-old is eager to get back into the ring and add to his success.

“Winning the British title was one of my long-term goals and dreams growing up, but I want more titles,” said McGoldrick.

“I want to cement my legacy and my place in the Newport history books and I want to inspire young people in the city to take up boxing or chase their goals outside of sport.”

South Wales Argus:

The 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist could target the European bantamweight title next and he will be an interested observer when Sheffield’s Thomas Essomba travels to Italy to take on Alessio Lorusso for the EBU belt in Monza tomorrow night (Saturday).

Cameroon-born Essomba inflicted McGoldrick’s only defeat in 14 fights as a professional when they met in Liverpool in 2019 after the Newport fighter suffered a cut to his eyebrow in a head clash.

“I will definitely be keeping an eye on that fight,” said McGoldrick.

“I don’t know when my next fight will be at the moment. There’s nothing in the pipeline, but I’ve been in boxing long enough to know that opportunities come up and you have to take them.

“Once my hand has healed, I’ll sit down with my team (manager Lee Eaton and trainer Jamie Moore) and plan what the next move could be.

“We’ll see what options are there, but I’m optimistic that something will happen.”

Since beating Allan, McGoldrick has spent much of the past three months visiting schools in the city with his belt.

“I’ve been keeping busy and just trying to help inspire the next generation,” said the former Duffryn Comprehensive pupil.

“Newport is pretty lucky – we’ve had lots of good fighters down the years – and I’m proud to have brought the Lonsdale belt back home.

“The kids have loved seeing the belt and asking me all sorts of questions.

“Hopefully it won’t be another 40 years before we have another British champion.”

While enjoying a break from the ring, McGoldrick has also been celebrating with his family.

“They’ve always been proud of my boxing achievements,” he said.

“They’re my biggest supporters and I could never repay them for the support they’ve given me over the years. I’m lucky to have great people around me.”