ROGAN CHASES WEALTH

BOXING has never been a sport short of fairytales.

Sadly, though, very few come with happy endings.

And this is the fate predicted for Belfast heavyweight Martin Rogan, who emerged from nowhere to claim the Commonwealth title and a place in the world top 20 earlier this year.

At that point, Rogan was dubbed a real-life Rocky Balboa - and was on the brink of a world title after some dazzling performances.

Five victories in 12 months, including the scalps of Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton, revealed a man with a huge heart and an all-action style.

And then everything fell apart. Defeat to Sam Sexton was blamed on the referee, when really Rogan should have shouldered the responsibility.

Since then, he and coach John Breen have had a nasty falling out, with sympathy largely siding with Breen.

Rogan has since found himself a new trainer and a rematch with Sexton for the Commonwealth crown.

That it takes place in front of Rogan's Belfast crowd highlights his enduring popularity.

That the winner will fight Danny Williams for the British title shows how far a man can fall with one defeat because last February the talk was of world, not domestic, crowns.

Nonetheless, even Breen believes Rogan will win, pointing to his pride as the decisive factor.

Much depends, though, on the quality of Rogan's preparation.

If he has done his homework, then he will knock Sexton out on Friday because he clearly has the extra power in his punches.

But Sexton is a clever boxer with more skill than Rogan, and will believe he has Rogan's number.

If Breen was still in the big-man's corner, we'd dismiss Sexton's claims completely.

But he isn't. And that's something for Rogan to fear as much as his Norwich opponent.

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