Scorpion's fab five eye all-Ireland glory

As a reward for their remarkable showing at the Co Antrim Open Championships last week, five of coach Alan Martin’s proteges will don their gloves on the sport’s biggest stage - the National Stadium in Dublin.

The Scorpion fighters enhanced their ever-growing reputation with formidable displays at St Kevin’s Hall last week.

In all the lads returned to Ballymoney boasting five county champions

The champs were Kevin Donnelly (his fourth county title), Ryan Jones, Piaras Casey, Ryan Wallace and Michael Coyles.

Gerard Loughran was a semi-finalist and James ‘The Hitman’ McNaughton was a runner-up.

And Ryan Jones was unlucky to be runner-up at the Irish Finals in the National Stadium. Lightning quick Ryan boxed Leigh Moran from Illies Golden Gloves, Buncrana in the 33kg section, losing by just one point.

Proud Portrush man, Alan said he was delighted with the club’s showing, adding that the current crop of fighters were among the best to come through Scorpion.

“Things are going very well at the moment,” he told Times Sport.

“Getting five down to represent our wee club in the All-Ireland is the best result we have had in years.

“We are minnows in terms of some of the other clubs but we are showing we can compete with anyone.

“We are knocking down the door.

“Scorpion is represented at every championship now and this crop is as good as any coming through.”