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"That ain't the way I hoped it would go at all," Sharkey said soon after. "To be truthful, it was bloody terrible."
"I guess it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that John Holman just gave you the fright of your life," said Jay Marlow.
'"No doubt," replied Sharkey. "I'm relieved I was able to finish it off, there. He got a little bit careless, so there was some luck involved, certainly."
"Tom, you said leading up to this fight that you felt you needed to look better than Sam Langford. I take it that by your own assessment, you failed in that task tonight?"
"I don't think I could have looked worse. Well, obviously, I could have if I'd lost, but this was an ugly victory. Sammy's gonna have to have a pretty terrible night to look less impressive than I did."
"There must be some positives you can take from this fight?" said Marlow.
"Only that I won," Sharkey quickly replied. "We're going to have to look at the tape, especially that second round. That was just atrocious how I let myself get tagged like that. Maybe it will bring some positive lessons for the future."
"Well, Tom, you're still undefeated, and you've stopped both of your opponents inside three rounds. I think that's something to be proud of."
The audience showed their agreement with a round of applause.
"Now, next up for you is the tough Aussie fighter, Joe Goddard," said Marlow. "He's been in two wars to start the tournament, but hasn't been able to get a victory yet. He's going to be quite a challenge for you."
Sharkey nodded. "He's just shown so much heart and determination. I'm really going to have to keep my wits about me in that fight, for sure."
"Well, Tom, I just want to extend ESPN's best wishes to you for your future in the tournament, and I'm sure everyone here would agree with me."
Marlow shook Sharkey's hand. Thanking him, the Irishman left the ring, his path to the dressing room accompanied by a chorus of warm, appreciative applause...
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