Buckley crowned Irish champ after tough bout
REGAN BUCKLEY fulfilled part of his dream when lifting the National Under-22 boxing title in the National Stadium on Friday night last.
Boxing out of the St. Therese B.C. on the Boghall Road in Bray, Regan was never going to miss out on his opportunity to lift the national title in the 49kg weight division.
While there were only two entered in the weight division, Regan still met a quality opponent in the final in Jack O’Neill from Confy Christi Boxing Club in Belfast, who had lifted the Ulster title the previous week and was on a winning streak.
The national finals had an added dimension brought to them for the Irish Athletic Boxing Association used the tournament as part of the selection process for the European Under-22s which begin in Russia in March.
In the final Regan turned in the best performance of his season so far, controlling the three rounds, leaving him to take a unanimous decision, having taken all three rounds.
This was the third national title for the talented Bray boxer for already he has taken national honours at youth level and intermediate level.
Despite his success, Regan returned to training on Monday night to continue preparations for the Elite senior championships in two weeks time.
Having already boxed for Ireland in the Multi Nations tournament in Belaraus last October, he is now ranked No. 2 in the Four Nations ranking of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Looking ahead Regan is confident of gaining selection for the Europeans in March.
‘I have had a very good season so far which leaves me confident of selection for the Europeans. Right now I’m looking forward to the Elite Senior Championships where I hope to gather more experience,’ he added.
Coached by his father Mark, Regan comes from a town steeped in boxing tradition having produced national champions in Adam Nolan and Katie Taylor, with Taylor going on to dominate ladies boxing at European and World level, bringing gold in European and Olympic finals, while right now she is World Professional Champion and looking to unify.
As Regan continues his bid to bring further boxing glory to the town, the St Teresa’s man would like to thank his sponsors 3Scaffolding, the Coach Inn Licensed Premises, Bray, and the Supreme Altitude & Fitness Centre, Bray, for their continued support.