Carrick boxers taste success at Co Antrim 6s

Charlie Haighton from Evolution Boxing Club made his return to the ring after almost three and a half years to claim a gold medal and become County Antrim 6s 50kg Champion.

The Carrickfergus Academy student was excited to get back into competition and showed his level in a very aggressive calculated performance, landing a lot of quality punches and combinations from the first bell.

Stablemates from the east Antrim club, Jacob Murray and Drew Hutton, made their debuts and tasted success in the semi-finals, but both lost on split decisions in the finals. Junior Thompson and Skye-leigh Haighton received walkovers and were crowned champions at their respected weights.

Bailey Mcmaster from Castle Boxing Club in Whitehead tasted success in his semi final bout, but came out on the wrong end of a decision in the final to take home a silver medal.

Evolution trainer, Iain Mahood said: "It was great to see the support for each of the lads boxing last week. It's another notch on their belt and more valuable experience gained. Everyone there is the future of our sport and it looks like exciting times ahead for that bunch."

Next up for the Evolution and Castle Boxing Club fighters is a crack at the national qualifiers for the All-Ireland championships.

Meanwhile, Ruadhan Farrell is due to make his return to the ring in Aberdeen on March 11. The former John Breen fighter has opted to join world champion trainer Mahood and his stable in West Street’s Evolution Boxing Club.