St Cianan’s ace roundly applauded as he steps up to plate
DULEEK boxer Gavin Rafferty was given a real baptism of fire after being entered into a multi-nations tournament at very short notice - but the All-Ireland champion eventually passed with flying colours.
The late withdrawal of another boxer paved the way for Rafferty to step into the Leinster team, with barely a week to prepare, but he came away with a gold medal for his performances.
The tournament in Sallynoggin, which was held the weekend before last, was for boxers a year older than Gavin (16) and first up for the Youth 1 75kg champion was a bout against a Russian opponent.
It was his first-ever fight over three three-minute rounds and Rafferty put on a tremendous show, only to go down on a 4-1 decision.
The following day Rafferty was pitted against the number one German boxer, and after another cracking fight the Duleek schoolboy got the verdict this time.
The experience gained will stand Rafferty in good stead and coach Mark O’Toole was delighted with his charge’s performances against all the odds.
‘He only had a week’s notice and was boxing against two of the top nations in Europe, in his first-ever three three-minute round fight and only at 70% fitness.
‘It was a great result considering he had no sparring. We knew we were taking a chance, but also Gavin was relishing the chance to box and test himself against the best in Europe.’