Seamus lord of the ring at Ulster championships

Scorpion Boxing Club fighter Seamus McAlister was punching the air in delight after winning the Ulster title last Sunday fortnight.

The 16-year-old put in thrilling displays as he emerged victorious at the Ulster Open Championships.

Seamus joined fellow Scorpion boxers including his brother Brian, James McNaughton, Ryan Wallace at the top contest in Burnfoot, Buncrana, Co Donegal.

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James was unlucky to lose in a final while Ryan and Brian performed bravely as more than 200 boys battled it out at different weight categories.

In his semi-final Seamus took on Ryan Rogan, a former Irish Champion from Letterkenny, at 54kg.

Head coach Alan ‘Spike’ Martin said Seamus boxed very well and secured a convincing win.

In the final he faced Tiernan O’Kane from Errigal Boxing Club in Garvagh and won with a 10-8 points decision.

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Spike said: “It was a good close fight and it’s the biggest title that Seamus has won so far. He’s only been at the club for three years.

“For him to be winning this shows his capability and it’s a big achievement for him.”

Brian took on Piaras Casey in his semi-final at 50kg, however the 14-year-old lost out in a tough fight.

In Ryan’s semi-final clash he came up against Callum Brown from the Ring Club in Derry.

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The 57kg fighter won handily enough with 10-5 points decision.

Next up for the 15-year-old was a difficult bout in the final against Irish champion Colum Markey, from St Paul’s, Belfast.

Spike said: “Markey’s a reigning Irish champion and we knew he would have his work cut out. Ryan’s a very determined character but he was beaten 10-6.

“He gave his all but just came up short, however he will learn from it and come back better.”

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In James’s final showdown he faced off against Connor Martin from Banbridge ABC.

James, aged 15 and competing at 52kg, boxed solidly and after three rounds it was 3-3.

The judges could not separate the pair and James unluckily lost out on a countback.

Spike said: “To be honest we did not see James losing the fight, it was so close. We thought James edged it and so did others too.

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“For James to be going head to toe with an Irish champion you need that wee bit of luck.

“It was one of his best performances.”

Speaking about the overall efforts of his fighters, Spike added: “As a coach I was very happy with the way all the boys performed.”

And on Thursday night James was quickly back in action during a 12-bout contest against Bangor Boxing Club.

Sixteen-year-old Dylan Hannah was one of the stand-out performers for Scorpion during his 64kg fight at Ards Football Club.

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