All Saints fight night proves a knockout success

A capacity crowd at Leighinmohr House Hotel witnessed an enthrilling boxing tournament of top quality entertainment, and saw a new star in the making.

Emeka Onwuka’s performance drew comparisons with Francis McAnally, back in the early seventies.

A loosely limbed switch hitter with perfect footwork and balance, he is certainly one to look out for.

Saints’ next winner was Karl Dlugosz as the Cushendall Road club continues to develop the talent within the various ethnic communities living in the area, as well as top local talent.

Reece McDonnell lost a close encounter to Belfast prospect Daniel Lindsey, while clubmate Glen Timperley battled hard in a close encounter with Omagh’s Steven McDonagh.

Punch of the night came from another rising star Anthony McAvoy, a short right hand midway through the second round saw off Martin Meigan of Holy Trinity.

Tyler McMullan edged out Dillon McDonagh of Omagh, but Ricky Moore of the host club found McDonagh’s big brother Sean more than a handful, and had to settle for second place in a lively tussle.

Joel Scullion dug deep to take a close call over Eaoghan Hines of Holy Trinity, the likeable Ballymoney Road lad edged home on one of the best fights of the night.

Toome native Enda Kennedy stole the show in a classic encounter with highly rated Sean Higginson in a contest which produced a variety of thrilling entertainment.

In the final contest Vinney Esler allowed himself to get drawn into a brawl against the very strong, hard hitting Lewis Crocker and paid the penalty.

That brought the the curtain down on a great evening of boxing at the end of another busy season for All Saints.