[dropcap]D[/dropcap]CU were represented by three boxers at the 2018 Dublin Novice Championship in what was another milestone for the DCU Athletic Boxing Club.
David Neylon, Rudolfus Nemickas and Daniel Forde all fought at the Ringside Club National Stadium on Friday the 30th of March.
Neylon was victorious in his bout, but Nemickas and Forde were unsuccessful in their fights.
Speaking to the College View, Nemickas said “the other boxer was just more experienced and fitter.” His opponent Ceitreann Murray had fought in the Dublin City Cup just under three years ago.
Nemickas, in contrast, is relatively new to the sport.
“I started in September, just half a year ago. I’ve always liked combat sports and when I got to DCU it was a good opportunity to join a boxing club, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.”
While Nemickas lost his fight, he enjoyed the experience and was happy to fight in front of a “packed crowd” in the National Stadium.
The light heavyweight boxer, originally from Lithuania, was also carrying a nose injury going in to the fight.
“At the third level fight a few weeks before I got a bloody nose. I wouldn’t blame it [losing the fight] on the nose though,” Nemickas said.
Neylon, fighting at 75kg, beat Lorenzo Mihai of the Ballybough boxing club after a strong performance in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
Forde, who fought at 60kg, came up just short against his opponent Macdara O Morain of UCD.
“It was a close fight, it was a split decision”, Nemickas said.
This season marks the first year that the club has had representation at all national levels in Ireland, including in the National Senior and the National Elite competitions.
Nemickas spoke highly of his first year boxing with DCU.
“I’ve gained a lot of experience and have been to Manchester with the boxing club, and fought in front of another packed crowd in a Manchester Arena,” Nemickas said.
While there are no fights left for Nemcikas before the summer, he said he would be happy to continue boxing with DCU in the next semester.
Reflecting on the past year, Nemickas made sure to mention coaches Derek Aherne and Terry Keegan, thanking them for the time they’ve put into the club and said “all credit goes to them.”
Eoin Harte
Image Credit: DCU Boxing Club