Successes for All Saints boxers in Dublin and USA

All Saints Boxing Club enjoyed a week to remember over the Easter period with a number of notable successes from its members.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Apr 2015, 14:00 BST
New Irish Champion Frank Duffin with his All Saints ABC team mates Emeka Onwuka Martin Stokes and Sam McCullough.New Irish Champion Frank Duffin with his All Saints ABC team mates Emeka Onwuka Martin Stokes and Sam McCullough.
New Irish Champion Frank Duffin with his All Saints ABC team mates Emeka Onwuka Martin Stokes and Sam McCullough.

Pride of place for the Cushendall Road club was an Irish title success in the form of Frank Duffin.

The Moneyglass youngster won the 12 years 50 kg class in the National Stadium in Dublin.

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“Frank had to win three gruelling fights within five days to pick up the gold medal,” explained coach Dermot Hamill.

“He was outstanding throughout the competition and seemed to better himself and believe in himself as he progressed in the tournament.

“And being crowned Champion of Ireland at 12 years of age is some achievement for any kid because irish titles are very hard to win!!

“We were also very unlucky not to have Martin Stokes joining him on the podium. He lost out in a split decision in his final on Friday night.

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“We really thought Martin done enough in the second and third round to win the gold but luck wasn’t on our side this time and we had to settle for silver. But Martin will be back next year hungrier than ever.

“We also were unfortunate not to have Emeka Onwuka in the final also! We, and a lot of other coaches and officials, believed we were on the wrong end of a poor decision when he lost on a split Decision to a Monaghan boxer who he beat easily in the Ulster championships 8 weeks ago. But again these are the highs and lows of boxing and he will put things right next season.

“Sam McCullough from Kells lost his semi-final against a tough dublin fighter but gained great expierence within the tournament,” added Dermot.

Further afield, All Saints’ Tyler McMullan had a great win in Washington against a top American side on Saturday night. Accompanied on the Northern Ireland team with him was club chairman Matt Hamill.

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The phone call came through from Matt in the early hours of Sunday morning that Tyler had wowed the packed crowd with slick counter punching and box fighting tactics. Tyler was very sharp and fit throughout all 3 rounds and now flys home Tuesday to tick over for the forthcoming Irish Championships this weekend.

Back at home, All Saints’ Gala fight night, which consists of dinner and boxing, is on May 9 in the Leighmohar house hotel and tables are selling fast.

This will consist of the club’s Senior and youth boxers and is guaranteed to be a night of top class boxing.

Related topics:USAAll Saints