Up-and-coming Offaly boxer hailed as 'prospect of the year' for 2025

After winning his first four bouts as a professional boxer, Offaly's Paul Loonam has been named as the 'prospect of the year' for 2025 by the website irish-boxing.com.

Loonam, who was a national champion as an amateur, boxing out of the St Carthage's club in Rahan, turned professional last year and had his first fight in the paid ranks in May.

He has gone on to win his first four contests, all on points, earning his nomination for The 'Eamonn Magee Jr Prospect of the Year' honour on the Irish Boxing website.

The award was chosen by a public vote, and the Offaly man came out on top with a 45% vote share, ahead of Moate light heavyweight Joe Ward (19%) and Cork native Steven Cairns (18%).

Reacting to the award in a social media post, Paul Loonam said he was honoured to receive it.

"A big thank you to my team for the consistent hard work," said Paul, giving a special mention to his Dad and to his coach Niall Barrett "for the extensive hours of work over the last eight months."

He also thanked his promoter Jay Byrne "for keeping me active and putting me in a position to pick up this award."

"Thanks to each and everyone for the support," he added.

In addition to turning professional, the 23-year-old Pullough man became a father in 2024, when his son Gianni was then born five weeks before his debut fight on May 10.