Corey notches another gold for Braid

Corey fought in a total of three contests to claim the top spot and performed excellently each time.

Corey and Jimmy were also joined in the finals by junior boxer Anthony O’Rawe who came away with a well-deserved silver.

Braid head coach John McLeister paid tribute to the talents of Corey, who fought at 44kg.

“Corey outboxed and outfoxed all his opponents and displayed the skills of a more mature boxer.

“Despite the final fight being a scrappy affair, Corey boxed and easily came away with the gold medal,

“Corey won all his fights by a big margin and only conceded 4 points and picked up a total of 17 over the three bouts. Corey is now setting his sights on the Co Antrim Championships and we wish him well,” added John.

Corey’s success was the second gold medal picked up by the Braid club joining fellow sparring partner Jimmy Fleck who also win the Gold medal.

Anthony who made the total medal tally to three came away with silver and despite the disappointment of coming out on the wrong side of a gruelling fight, was happy to come away with a medal and compete in the finals.

Anthony boxed the current Ulster champion and Irish international Stephen Mulholland who was the stronger opponent and Anthony found it difficult to get break his defence. Despite the defeat Anthony was back training the very next night which speaks volumes about the character of the young boxer.

Said McLeister: “Tough fights can really break an opponent and to have the strength of character and determination to learn from it and to throw yourself into the training with the desire to undo the wrongs and ensure that with each fight you come away with learning points and set yourself personal goals.

“The boys conducted themselves in such away that makes all the coaches really proud of them and we congratulate all three lads for their success.”

BOXING IN THE COMMUNITY

Meanwhile, Braid ABC are currently planning their annual show which has been brought forward to April 30. The venue has also been switched back to Leighinmohr House Hotel.

Tickets are now on sale at £10 pounds each and those interested should act quickly as in recent years they have been sold out.

Braid Junior boxers will also be showing off their skills when Braid ABC bring boxing into the community.

“We will be setting up the ring in the tower centre on April 16 and our mini and junior boxers will be displaying their skills for the local shoppers and the local community.

“We want take our sport right into the heart of the town to show off our boys and give people an opportunity to see the sterling work carried out at the Braid ABC.

“Corey, Jimmy and Anthony will all be on display exhibiting their skills and putting on some exhibition bouts.

“Times of the bouts will be communicated nearer the time and we hope to have good public support for the lads who represent sport in Ballymena,” added John.