Cork's Steven Cairns becoming a name to watch out for on the lightweight professional circuit

Cork man Steven Cairns is make waves for himself in the lightweight boxing world, as he is now unbeaten in all of his 11 fights to date, with seven of those coming by way of knockout.

His last fight at the National Stadium saw him beat the tough Mexican fighter Francisco Javier Lucero with a stunning stoppage in the third round and as usual, he celebrated this victory with his signature backflip.

After an illustrious amateur career at home and across the continent, it was only matter of time before Cairns put pen to paper on a professional deal with one of the top names in the business, David Coldwell. 

He is a renowned name in boxing circles, he brings a huge bundle of experience into Cairns corner, especially from his former role as coach of the previous Cruiserweight World title holder Tony Bellew and heavyweight boxer David Chisora.

The 23 year-old, dubbed 'The Irish Takeover' hails from Cork but he now trains at the Rotherham base of his coach Coldwell and gets quality sparring with the likes of Dalton Smith, who is the current mandatory challenger for WBC World Super Lightweight title.

Although Cairns fought his last fight in Ireland recently, however, he has had to travel to the likes of Spain, Germany, Denmark, England and Uzbekistan in his journey to date.

“I started boxing when I was seven years old at the Loughmahon Boxing Club with Gary Spike O’Sullivan, Denis O’Sullivan and then my father Lee took over my training when I got older,” Steven said.

“Spike was always a role model for me as I used to go watch most of his fights around the country and he is still very helpful to me today.

“I had over 100 amateur fights winning seven national titles and won a silver medal at the European Championships in Russia, however, I was always known for my knockout power. 

"My father who was in my corner for all of my amateur career, although he hasn’t a boxing background, he was brilliant for me in those days, however, he always mentioned to me that he was the St Patrick Street 3am champion for years,” Steven said with a burst of laughter.

“I turned professional in the middle of Covid when I was 18 years old when I signed for trainer Dave Coldwell and moved moved to Sheffield a year later, as Dave wanted be base there full time. 

"I had my very first professional fight a week before my 19th birthday in Villarreal, Spain where I beat Rafael Castillo on points. 

"Since then I’m after 10 more fights in England, Denmark, Germany and even in Uzbekistan, and have seven knockouts in my professional career to date. 

"However, I did fight at home twice when I knocked out Brazilian fighter Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveiro in the first round at the SSE Arena in Belfast and then I stopped Mexican Francisco Javier Lucero in the third round at the National Arena in Dublin.

“I try get home as much as I can to see my parents Lee and Cathrine, sister Layla, uncle Jack and my grandfather Andy Twomey. 

"I also train in my grandfather’s back garden where he built a gym for me and I get to spar some of the local boxers. 

"I want to thank everyone one of them for all the support and help they have given to me all my life and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them at my side.” 

Last year saw the Cork fighter sign a promotional deal with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions and make his Irish debut, landing a savage first round knockout in under a minute at Belfast's SSE Arena back in June, however he followed that up with another toe dazzling performance in England and another at the National Stadium in Dublin.

"I was super excited to sign up with Frank and it is something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid going to his shows and I've manifested it, worked towards it and now I am here,” Cairns added.

One of the most successful promoters in the boxing world Frank Warren is delighted to have added yet another quality young lightweight to the Queensberry team.

"I am thrilled to bring Steven on board and he is clearly an exceptional young fighter with a deep amateur pedigree," added the Hall of Famer. "After beginning his professional career largely overseas, Steven has now found a place he can call home and can set about building himself a profile and continue building a strong career,” Warren added.