15 students will compete in next weekend’s Intervarsity Amateur Boxing Championships at the National Boxing Arena.
Society chairman Shane Carter believes the team has done enough work over the last number of months to secure an overall win for the University.
“If you’re a college boxing team you want to be the best one in the country and I think we have done that for a number of years at this stage probably since its establishment.”
A number of the fighters had the chance to get some fight practice in last Friday at the Dublin Championships. Carter won his bout comfortably in the 71kg (11st 2lbs) category while Conor McGinn lost his fight on a split decision.
Looking forward to next weekend’s competition, Carter feels all fighters are capable of winning their respective bouts however Jack Robinson is a stand out performer in his eyes despite being out of the sport for some time.
“He’s been on a bit of a hiatus in the sport for the last few years due to a shoulder injury but he’s back now and he’s looking sharp in the club so I’m pretty sure he’s going to put on a show.”
Carter puts a lot of the success of the athletes in the society down to two elite coaches in Derek Ahern and Terry Keegan.
Keegan is someone who has been involved in the training aspect and running of the organisation since it was set up only a few years ago.
“There’s a lot to thank Terry Keegan for in all parts and aspects of the club. He set it up in and in 2012 it won most promising club that year and club of the year for the three years following.”
Carter also talked about a charity competition the society will be taking part in Manchester on March 11.
“The first day is to help the peace process in Warrington and the second day all the money raised goes towards children in the community from disadvantaged backgrounds to build projects for them.”
He also alluded to how Irish boxing stars who have had success in the Olympics will reach the same levels of success of other Irish combat sportspeople.
“You see people like Katie Taylor and Mick Conlon that might not have reached that level of superstardom of Conor McGregor at this stage but he probably won’t be too long in catching up based on their quality.”
Liam Ashton
Image credit: Laura Horan