Boxing gold again for Cookstown's McGuckin

Ethan McGuckin along with coaches chalky Kelly and Fred Hampsey

And the mid-Ulster hero could hardly been given a tougher draw because he was pitched in against the highly-rated Jake Tucker, Holy Trinity BC in Belfast - and Tucker boasted the reputation of never having lost a fight in lreland.

It looked a daunting task, but coaches Chalky Kelly and Fred Hampsey welcoming the task ahead, this the most eagerly-awaited fight of the championships.

From the first bell, Tucker started the sharper - until McGuckin found his range to land a big right hand and change the course of the fight.

In the second McGuckin established his authority ny landing another big right hand, forcing Tucker onto the ropes and he unleashed a left hook and short right hand to send Tucker crashing to the canvas in worrying fashion.

Tucker beat the count to go into the third round, but there was to be no turnaround as McGuckin eased it out to book his slot in another final.

To pick up the gold, Ethan faced the very strong and durable Patsy Finnegan, Silverbridge and, after three hard-fought rounds and Finnegan pushing him all the way, McGuckin’s class told as he ran out winner to secure another championship gold.

Young McGuckin picked up theBest Boxer of the Championships award, selected by the Ulster Council, a great achievement to win first ever Joe Laverty Memorial Trophy.

Also in final action, Ruairi Devlin missed out and returning Fabio Goncalves put in a wonderful performance and just dropped short to lose to Dominic Doyle from Gilford.