Feast of top-quality fight action

THEY came in their hundreds to see quality international amateur boxing and they weren"t disappointed after a brilliant night"s action last Friday. From an organisational point of view, the event was first class and for fight fans, the action was superb. It was standing room only at the Farnham Arms Hotel as Ireland defeated Canada 7-4 after a great nights boxing promoted by the Cavan Boxing club. The main event featured Cavan"s Beijing Olympian John Joe Nevin who cemented his reputation as one of Irelands brightest stars, on his first appearance on his own club show in over two years, with a two round demolition of a good quality Canadain in Josh O"Reilly from the Steeltown club in Ontario. Nevin discarded his normal hit, move and counterpunch tactics to entertain the crowd with a more aggressive approach that proved just too much for a very game opponent. The referee Seamus Kelly intervened to save O"Reilly from further punishment midway through round two after a peach of a right cross dropped him for the third time in the contest. This was Nevin"s final contest before the defence of his title at the EU championships in Denmark next month and the benefits of full time training are becoming very evident with a very developed physqiue and added power to complement his boxing ability. John Joe picked up the Sean Doran memorial belt for the best Irish boxer which was presented by the Canadain management in memory of an exceptional sportsman and individual sadly missed in boxing circles in this area. It was fitting that one of Doran"s former proteges in the Keady club should seal victory for Ireland in the night"s final contest when Commonwealth Under 19 silver medalist Sean Duffy edged out Canada"s representitive at the same event in India, Steven Wilcox, after an absorbing lightweight contest. The much coveted Cavan boxer of the year award went to 13-year-old Hugh Nevin who only last week joined clubmates Thomas Benn, Andrew Murray and cousin John Joe Nevin as a three in a row Irish champion. The awards finished with Cavan town Mayor Paddy O"Reilly presenting Andrew Murray with a momento from Cavan council in recognition of his sporting achievements and recent EU title victory. The personable Murray, who devotes much of his free time to training up and coming fighters in Brian McKeown"s Railway Road gym in Cavan Town, was on hand all night to present trophies to the winners of the various bouts, much to the delight of the packed attendance. Another Cavan fighter to impress was teenager Adam Cullen from Virginia who added to his growing reputation with a clear cut 13-4 decision over a tough visitor in Danny Murphy. The Cavan boxer displayed both boxing ability and power to outwork his opponent over all three rounds and underline his reputation as one of Ireland"s stars for the future. The crowd were on their feet throughout an exciting tearup at super heavyweight between the tall Kenneth Akungbowa a 6ft 4inch Athlone-based Nigerian and the Ontario State champion Justin Atkinson. This pair planted their feet and went at it right from the opening bell with Irish fighter"s better conditioning and fitness eventually seeing him through to a stoppage victory in the final round. Both boys left the ring to a standing ovation. Cavan"s provincial and national champions Paddy and Joe Nevin got the home team off to a good start with a pair of victories overZackary ridgewell and Bradley Wilcox while Jessie Wilcox restored family pride in the battle of the brothers when he outpointed Keadys Brian Duffy. The very impressive Ryan Baulk picked up a good win for Canada when he halted late sub Arron Boyle from Strabane in round two of a good middleweight clash. In other international contests on the programme Ireland picked up wins with Armaghs Danny Fullerton outscoring Richard Kranitz at featherweight,bantam Glenn Brogan from Clones outpointing Colton Lormond and Canadains Camereon McGean, Alec Rodgerson and John Clarke take points victories over Vitally Steffenyunk from Castleblaney, Ethan Audley from Clones and Monkstowns Mathew Neal respectively. In supporting contests Cavan and Castleblaney finished all square with the exciting Charlie :Topman Chazz; take atyson like approach to stop Sergei Baritiz at lightmiddle while Danny McCarthy beat Cavans Pat McDonagh. There was also a very impressive hometown debut from Redhills teenager Ceire Smith who made light of disadvantages in age and weight with Belfast girl Amy McDowell from Monkstown in quality exhibition of female boxing that surprised and delighted the full house. This Wednesday evening the Cavan club entertain the Canadains at Viginia College when boxing returns to the East Cavan town for the first time since 1977 and a terrific nights boxing is quaranteed. Local interest will centre on the performances of College students Adam Cullen, Charlie Glackin and Conal Patterson as they display their skills in front of a hometown crowd for the first time ever and against international opposition.