Boxers put on jaw-dropping show

Local boxers laced up their gloves to take on Ulster’s finest young pugilists at the Pound Bar in Loughgiel on Saturday October 22.

Fight fans were treated to electrifying performances from Scorpion boxers against competitors from All Saints, Ballymena; Springhill, Moneymore; Churchlands, Coleraine; Errigle, Garvagh; and Holy Family, Belfast.

Scorpion Boxing Club trainer Alan ‘Spike’ Martin was delighted with the knockout performances from his young fighters.

Eleven-year-old Jayden Arbuthnot (39kg) hugely impressed spectators and judges during his victorious bout against Matthew McPeake from All Saints.

Spike said: “Jayden boxed very well, showed great combinations and is a great prospect for the future.”

Scorpion’s Seamus McAlister (54kg) wowed the crowd with his slick boxing skills to get the decision.

The 16-year-old’s clash with Springhill’s Darragh McVeigh was also awarded the Fight of the Night accolade.

Spike said: “This was a cracking fight. Seamus boxed in and out, he’s a classy fighter. The pair were voted Best Scorpion Fighter and Best Visiting Boxer.”

The last fight of the night was an eagerly-anticipated rematch between Scorpion’s James McNaughton and Gary O’Neill from Errigle.

Spike hailed the display of his winning fighter, adding: “It was a masterclass of in-and-out boxing. James dominated his opponent with head and body shots. A great contest to end the night, especially for his hometown with him coming from Loughgiel.”

Spike also gave his thanks to the owners of the Pound Bar for the use of their facilities for the boxers and to the rival boxing clubs for putting on a thrilling show.

See inside for pictures from the night.