Impressive Erne boxer Owens wins gold in Sweden
Erne Boxing Club’s fine start to the season continued last weekend with success both nationally and internationally.
The highlight of the week was a gold medal that Rhys Owens won at the prestigious King of the Ring tournament in Borås, Sweden.
The Swedish tournament is one of Europe’s largest boxing tournaments and usually attracts more than 500 competitors.
At this time, there were 380 boxers competing from 12 countries in addition to the Scandinavian countries, with boxers from England, France, Portugal, Scotland and Hong Kong.
Rhys Owens, one of two competitors from Erne Boxing Club, was first in action in a quarter-final competition in the 60 kg Elite Class against Sweden’s Ali Aga Zamani (Örebro BK).
His Swedish opponent was very strong and came forward with powerful shots, but Owens boxed very smartly and kept the competition at a distance throughout the ring.
Owens chose his shots well and denied the opponent’s attacks with good defensive skills to win all three rounds and collect a unanimous decision 5-0.
Anthony Malanaphy also faced a Swedish opponent in the quarterfinals of his 64 kg elite class competition.
Picked their punches well
Malanaphy also faced a very strong aggressive opponent in Milad Mazdak (Ringen BK), and he took his shots well.
Although he had to cope with the high pace of work of his determined opponent, Malanaphy landed with the cleaner and more eye-catching shots in all three rounds.
But the judges advocated aggression and made a decision in favor of the local boxer, leaving Malanaphy to bow down after a credible display.
Rhys Owens was back in action in the semifinals on Saturday and he once again met a Swedish opponent.
Abbas Mohevi (IF Linnea) was short and thick and came forward and threw powerful shots when he tried to work on Owen’s body.
Owens, however, kept the fight at bay whenever possible, and he chose his shots with precision.
There were times when he had to stand up and trade with his strong opponent, and this meant that the competition ended.
But Owens deservedly got the nod via a split 3-2.
On Sunday, Rhys Owens competed in the final against an English opponent, Faraz Abid (Hoddesdon Boxing Academy).
It was a very tactical competition between two very stylish boxers and competent opponents.
Owens, however, bravely chose to take the fight to his opponent and box on the front foot. He was busy behind the shock and worked his body well.
All three rounds were extremely close, but the brave tactics paid off when Owens once again put an end to the competition with a split decision 3-2.
Erne Boxing Club head coach Sean Crowley said: “We participated in this tournament for the experience, and although we were convinced we would do well, our expectation was just to win a win or possibly two, and all over it would become a bonus.
“Anthony Malanaphy was very unhappy. Many observers at ringside thought he was doing enough and it was a pity he did not advance to the final.
“But it was only his third race after six years away, and he’s still making great progress.
‘Outstanding’
“Rhys Owens was outstanding and really came of age in this tournament. He boxed superbly in all three competitions and has really made the perfect transition to elite level.
“His impressive performances mean that the club will now take part in the Ulster Elite Championships in December.
“With his current form, there is no reason for Rhys not to dream big and aim high. Although he still lacks experience at the elite level, he has the ability to give the best money and create a surprise or two.”
In addition to their great successes on the international stage, there were also successes for Erne Boxing Club at home.
Ciaran Cassidy made it through two races in Shantallow, Co. Derry to advance to the finals of the Ulster 9 Counties Schoolboys Championships.
He passed his Derry opponent, Ruben Shipley (Rochester’s BC) in the quarterfinals of the Boy 3 (Under-14s) 44.5 kg class via a walk over when his opponent withdrew just moments before the first clock.
In Sunday’s semi-final, he was then placed in a local derby against his schoolmate and sparring partner Bernard McElholm (Trillick Star BC).
Both had boxed each other twice before, with a win, so this was their trilogy contest.
McElholm started well to put in the premiere but Cassidy came strong and dominated the last two matches and collected a unanimous points win with 5-0.
Katie Rasdale also celebrates the success of the Ulster 9 Counties, which added the Girl 1 (Under-12 ‘) 68kg title to the Ulster crown she won last week.
Erne Boxing Club says they are just waiting for the date for Ciaran Cassidy’s final and when Katie Rasdale will compete in the National Schoolgirl Championship final in Dublin.
They are also busy preparing boxers for the Ulster Elite Championships in December.
Despite all their latest challenges and stop / start to the season, with three international gold medals and an Ulster Senior title, so far, and now junior boxers collecting awards, they are making great progress and are ready for more success before the end of the year and it looks good for 2022.