Malanaphy makes it eight out of eight to claim title

Editorial Department • Published 16 Feb 2012 13:00 0 Comments

Derrylin Boxing Club's campaign for National titles got off to a great start with two of the club's boxers winning Mid Ulster titles and progressing through to the Ulster final stage.

Anthony Malanaphy scored his eighth successive win of the season and took his most notable scalp to date with a 9-6 point victory over three-time Ulster champion and last year's National finalist Adrian Cawley (Smithboro Boxing Club) in the Youth 1 (Under 16's) 50kgs final.

The victory over Cawley had even more significance, as he had lost to his opponent at this stage last season. However, this time Malanaphy was in scintillating form and his great footwork and sharp punching (notably the right-cross) gave him the clear edge in the first two sessions before he rode out a fierce fight back in the third round to collect a deserved win.

Malanaphy's great winning effort was equally matched by club mate Stephen Stokes who had to win twice to claim the Boy 4 (Under 15's) 60kgs berth.

In his semi-final contest Stokes controlled the action and picked his punches well to land cleanly throughout to claim a comprehensive 7-1 points win over Patrick McMemamin (Immaculata Strabane BC).

In the final he was pitted against the very experienced former Ulster titlist Conor McGowan (Bishopkelly BC). The match was a very tactical affair with southpaw McGowan looking to score with left leads and right hooks.

However, the Derrylin favourite was up for the task and was able to turn the trick on his opponent by landing with clean right crosses and counter left hooks of his own to edge a close 6-4 points win.

Derrylin's third entrant Colm McElhill had to settle for silver. Despite giving his all, he went down 9-4 in a thrilling contest against Jonathan Mongan (Cavan BC) in the Boy 4 (Under 15's) 57 kgs final.

Both combatants traded heavy leather from the off but it was the Cavan boxer that got the better of the exchanges. McElhill fought with his usual gritty determination right up to the final bell but fell short on this occasion.

Derrylin Boxing Club's Head coach Sean Crowley, commented: "All the lads did brilliantly and we are very proud of them. To have two through to the Ulster final and just one bout away from the National Finals is an excellent return.

"The interesting thing is that both boxers are unbeaten this season (Anthony in eight contests and Stephen in five contests) and will both enter the Ulster Finals full of confidence. It would be great to be return to the National Stadium this year with two brand new faces, as that would be a massive achievement for us.

"On behalf of the lads, I wish to thank Donncha O'Cathain and Aidan Kelly as they have both played a key part in the success and progress of these two boxers."

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 16 Feb 12

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