Arklow’s Redmond out of luck
THERE was no joy for Arklow’s two boxers in Friday night’s National Elite Championships in the National Boxing Stadium.
Arklow’s 69K Fergal Redmond was deemed unlucky by most observers not to have got the decision over Michael Bustard from the Docker’s club.
Fergal looked well on top in the first and second round when scoring points as Bustard kept coming forward, Fergal picking him off with big lefts and rights as he advanced.
Round three saw Fergal take charge, winning the round well but alas the judges saw differently, much to the annoyance of those present, giving the contest 5-0 to Bustard. The unfairest decision of the night.
Fergal, Arklow’s longest serving boxer has now contested 20 Elite championships a record never achieved by any other boxer in IABA history.
Arklow’s 81K boxer Seán Crowley, who won last week’s Senior Championships was drawn against the much experienced Paul Mc Cullough of St John Bosco’s in Belfast.
Seán was well on top in the first two rounds, using his long reach and straight punching picking off his opponent, with McCullough going down for a count midway through the second round and was deemed lucky to survive.
McCullough came out fighting in round three, constantly attacking and caught Seán when Seán started mixing it with him and getting caught with big punches.
The game plan went out the window, with Seán receiving three counts in this round, which swung the decision in McCullough’s favour, getting the nod from four of the five judges.
Nevertheless it was a big week in Seán’s boxing journey and the club are proud of his achievements.
Fergal and Seán’s next outing will be on Saturday, December 14, at the club’s annual sponsored tournament, which this year is being held in Arklow Boxing Club gymnasium on Emoclew Road, with the first bout at 6 p.m.
Crumlin Boxing Club, Dublin are the main opposition on the night, with18 contests already matched.
In the meantime three Arklow juveniles were in action in the Wexford Leagues on Sunday in Gorey Boxing Club.
Jack Hudson had a convincing win against Colm Whelan of Tramore, Josh Browne had a great toe to toe tough contest with Liam Kehoe of CBS, with Kehoe winning out in a very close and one of the best contests of the day.
Calum Roache bowed out after the second round feeling unwell during his contest with Anto Breslin of Tramore Boxing Club.