Fight night success for All Saints

With the event taking place just a few hundred yards from the club’s Cushendall Road base, it was an ideal opportunity for the local public to view the latest talent to roll off the All Saints ‘production line’ of young boxers.

In the best contest of the night, All Saints’ Vinny Esler was beaten by Martin Hackett, from Kronk ABC, Belfast.

After winning the first round, Esler faded in the second and was left holding on in the last seconds of round three.

Despite the defeat, Vinny remains a highly talented boxer and will improve further as his fitness and stamina improve.

Dean Hughes, the County Antrim champion and who, along with Sean Kelly, represents All Saints in the All Ireland finals in a few days’ time, had a great win over Dean Spence from Canal ABC, Lisburn.

It was a hard fought contest over three very entertaining rounds with Hughes just about getting the nod.

Nial McKernan was involved in another great scrap which had the crowd on their feet well before the last round.

McKernan was beaten on a split decision but put in a great performance against a former Ulster champion.

Young up and coming Dylan Matchett had a good win over Martin Burns (St John Bosco, Belfast).

Other bouts involving All Saints boxers saw Christy Convery lose to K McDonald (Larne); Jimmy Convery lost to T Davey (St John Bosco); and Reece McDonnell was beaten by T Fleck (Braid ABC).

For a full page picture special from the event, don’t miss this week’s Ballymena Times.