The rapid progress of the DCU Amateur Boxing Club shows no sign of letting up with the latest success coming the way of Shane Carter who took home the Leinster welterwight novice title at the end of last month in Dublin’s National Boxing Stadium.
Meanwhile, Senan Kelly boxed his way to his category final but had to pull out due to a head collision in the final clinch.
Carter International Business and Chinese student, was competing in his first ever competitive bout and was hugely impressive, beating Jason Groome of Bray Boxing Club with long jabs and powerful body shots.
The Wexford native only started properly boxing when he began in DCU but that didn’t show as he took home a second Leinster title in as many years for the college.
With clubs from all around the province competing the standard is very high, proving, yet again, how far DCU Boxing has come since almost going out of existence two years ago.
For the second year running the Glasnevin were the only college club in the championships, something that Carter feels is an advantage and sends out a message to other colleges.
“For the boxer no [it doesn’t make any difference],” he says. “It shows the standard of the club is at a very high level to be able, not only to compete, but to win. It also puts an early stamp down for the year and shows everybody we mean business.”
After impressing in training since the start of the year hopes were high for Carter but there was still a need for caution.
“I was very confident in the build up to the competition buts it’s still important to get it right on the night. I was happy with the win but there’s so much room for improvement on the level of performance.”
The emphasis on training is very high in any sport but in boxing it is particularly so, given the physical demands of the sport. Despite being relatively new to the sport Carter already understands this. When asked what the key factor was in his victory his reply was immediate.
“Preparation.
“Training went very well which of course contributed to the confidence. Also some tough and competitive sparring sessions in the last few weeks really helped with fitness and sharpness.
“I train at minimum five times a week. I think it’s important to vary the intensity and types of session too, most importantly listen to your own body and place a good emphasis on recovery.”
Having won Club of the Year last year DCU Boxing are stamping a claim for the title again this year with a number of notable successes so far. Senan Kelly recently boxed for a Dublin City select team in Liverpool and has been selected again to fight against Tyrone in December.
The leading light for the club however has been from the women’s section with Clare Grace currently undergoing a two week training camp in South Korea along with Katie Taylor, Michaela Walsh and Joanne Lambe in preparation for the World Championships which begin on 16 November.
Carter is in no doubt that training with such high level boxers as Kelly and Grace is a big help to everyone in the club, especially new fighters such as himself.
“Their successes are huge for the club. To see people competing at such high levels motivates everybody to work harder. I think they can inspire not only boxers in DCU but all athletes to go the extra mile.
“As far as I can see the club will continue to grow in strength due to the commitment of its members and, under the guidance of our coach Derek Ahearne, the only way is up.”
Ruaidhrí Croke
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