Local Boxers impress in Bradford contest

Boxers from Scorpion ABC Ballymoney and Churchlands Golden Gloves, Coleraine have just returned from a successful trip to Bradford where they took on some of the best talent in England at the Platinum Club, writes Gillian Anderson.
The coaches and boxers from Scorpion ABC, Ballymoney and Churchlands Golden Gloves who recently fought in Bradford.The coaches and boxers from Scorpion ABC, Ballymoney and Churchlands Golden Gloves who recently fought in Bradford.
The coaches and boxers from Scorpion ABC, Ballymoney and Churchlands Golden Gloves who recently fought in Bradford.

This was a re-match following a meeting earlier in the year at The Lodge Hotel and there were some close bouts with the Coleraine and Ballymoney fighters giving a good account of themselves.

Scorpion coach Alan ‘Spike’ Martin commented: “We are planning on making this an annual event as it gives local kids the opportunity to experience international boxing. It helps them develop as fighters as it takes them out of their comfort zone.

“From a results point of view it wasn’t as successful as we had hoped, however, it’s not always about the results. There were a number of close decisions and they tended to go the way of the home fighter. Despite that all of our lads put in really good performances.

“The fights that stood out were those of Ryan Doherty from Churchlands. Ryan boxed Chris Windle who is the current National Champion and he did really well. Paddy Hayes, also from Churchlands fought Cory Bentley and stopped him with a great performance. The fight of the night was the re-match between Simon McIlwee and the guy he fought in The Lodge Hotel. It was brilliant and a superb performance from Simon despite his opponent getting the decision.

“I would like to thank everyone who travelled to Bradford.”

Next on the cards for the young boxers from Scorpion and Churchlands Golden Gloves is the Ulster Nine Counties Championships.