Braid ABC notch medal successes at novice championships

Eleven-year-old James R Fleck, Glen Timperly and Declan McKernan (both 15) all fought their way to the top spots while 11-year-old Corey Bradshaw was controversially defeat in his final, ending his unbeaten run of nine fights.

James Fleck, son of Braid boxing coach James senior, boxed twice, beating both opponents and was happy to start his first competitive season off with his first championship title.

James has a big future in the sport and has such a cool attitude showing no sign of any nerves or fear and just relishes the opportunity to box.

Best mates and club colleagues Declan and Glen picked up gold medals a piece and will certainly be stepping up to the challenge in March for another Co Antrim junior title.

Braid head coach John McLeister says: “Glen has been focusing really hard and has come on leaps and bounds beginning to find his own boxing style and honing his skills within the club, he is a real pleasure to teach and is so enthusiastic with an attitude of that of a mature boxer.

“Declan boxed superbly in his final bout and comfortably handled his opponent throughout the bout. We would have liked Deccie to push it a little more and perhaps the fight would have been over sooner but deccie will learn this as he progresses.

“He has made a huge impact on the sport as he only recently took up boxing and has already picked up two titles after already winning an Ulster title earlier on this season.

Corey Bradshaw was bitterly disappointed as were the coaching staff, who felt he was unfairly outpointed in the 39kg final, after having to fight on three consecutive nights.

“We felt that Corey had clearly won the bout by showing a exceptional level of ability, his punches were clean and crisp and never absorbed any clean shots throughout the fight so to lose the fight by two points was an absolute shocker.

“Corey already an Ulster champion recently boxed twice to win the CYP championships earlier this month so this would have been his triple in his first season. He will bounce back in March and will join strong six more contenders as they represent Braid in the Co Antrim Junior championships.

“The boys’ wins have given the club a great boost and for me personally it was extra special as it was the icing on the cake to an exceptional month for the club after winning the Community Sport award in the Ballymena Sports Awards.

“Thlatest successes bring a total of eight medals that the boys have won this month alone as boxers Anthony O’Rawe, Nick Mclroy lifted silver medals and brothers Jacob and Corey Bradshaw scooped gold at the recent CYP championships in Downpatrick.

“The club is really booming at the minute with at least a dozen young lads that are beginning to mature into exceptional sportsmen.

“The club is currently organising two shows the first of which will showcase the mini and junior teams; we are so excited to show off our mini boxing team as they are so talented and entertaining,” adds John.

Next to represent the town and the club is Stephen Richmond as he boxes in a big show in Londonderry this Saturday against intermediate silver medallist Mark McLaughlin.

“Stephen has prepared well and is looking forward to the fight and we hope that he claims another victory for the club to bring an end to the most successful start to a new year for the club ever,” adds John.