Newry boxers making headway

ON Wednesday night in Belfast, Joe McParland and Lauryn Smith were crowned boy/girl school champions, now they head off to Birmingham next month to take part in the British boy/girl school championship.

Coach Owen Murphy has said, this was a hard tough competition to win especially the second part of it.

“We have been there before with different boxers over the years but have never lifted the title,” said Murphy.

“The last boxer I remember lifting this title was Dessy Toman boxing out of the Sacred Heart boxing club. We have a busy weekend coming up next weekend with the Halloween Box Cup in Belfast with nine boxers, this will also help Joe and Lauryn prepare for Birmingham.”

Ryan Murphy has had his first pro fight on a Conlan show (Unleashed) in the Ulster Hall in Belfast. He beat Jose Aguirre from Costa Rica over a four round Middleweight contest, 40-36.

His uncle and manager Owen Murphy has said, this was a big night for Ryan.

“I am delighted for him and he will never forget his debut in the Ulster Hall as it is some place to box in, it really is the home of boxing,” Murphy said.

“The atmosphere in it was unreal, Ryan took a lot of support from Dublin and Newry as he has a lot of family from here. Born in Clondalkin Dublin, he started boxing out of Neilstown Boxing Club Dublin, whom I have to say, put a lot of time and work into him. He then came north to live in Newry and join St Monica’s Boxing club.

“Ryan has a great amateur record, with 12 Irish titles, Ulster titles, Haringey Champion and Manchester Box Cup Champion. He has boxed for Ireland numerous times and the list goes on. Now the time is right to move to the professional end.

“I believe Ryan will shake up the middleweight class with his style of boxing, I can see this lad going the whole way to the top.

“I would like to thank his promoter Jamie Conlan from Conlan sports and Padraig Mc Crory for all the help, advice and the belief they have for Ryan. I would also like to thank Lucky Day Competitions for all the support they have given Ryan as his sponsor and believing in his journey.

“We would like to thank coach James Cramer, cut man Jono, his family both Dublin and Newry and all the supporters that came to Belfast.2

Another lad from Newry boxed on the same show, Cathal the Barcroft Bomber Jennings.

Cathal had to dig deep at times over the six rounds as he was in against a very tough opponent, but as readers will remember Jennings from his amateur days, he loves that sort of fight where he has to stand toe -o-toe and came away with a well deserved win.

“It is great for Newry and Mourne to have two Professional boxers boxing on the same show, maybe it's time to hold one closer to home, something i am going to talk over with Jamie Conlan so watch this space,” said Murphy.