Reece is the Irish champ after top Dublin display

The plucky young lad had been boxing in the national stadium, Dublin, over the Easter break and went all the way to the final, where he saw off John Sweeney from Ennis in class 2 - 70kg.

It was a result that was earned not only in the ring in Dublin, but also in his training sessions back at the club.

He and his dedicated coaches put in the hard work in the weeks leading up to his deciding bout, graft that paid dividends with the gold medal around his neck.

To qualify for that national final, Reece had to win his county title, which he did with another composed display, beating off all his County Antrim opponents.

That opened the door for national glory. After weighing in at the finals, he received a bye through to the national final, where he would meet the winner of the semi-final between John Sweeney from Ennis and Thomas Ward from Fox, Dublin.

Sweeney eased through that contest 3-0 and looked like he would provide some stiff opposition for Reece in the decider.

As tight a match as it shaped up to be, Reece dominated the first round from the starting bell.

He took control very early on but Sweeney came back with power in the second round, leaving it with all to play for in the third.

Reece stepped things up a gear in that final round and got the win with a 2-1 decision going his way.

It’s a great achievement to bring a title back from Dublin and when he brought his medal into the Lisburn based club, Reece was greeted with a warm reception at Canal ABC.

CANAL ABC CLUB SHOW

Meanwhile, Reece’s club Canal ABC would like to welcome everyone to their annual club show on the 1st May at Hillsborough Social Club. Doors open ay 7.30pm. Price is £8, which can be paid at the door.