It’s Swede success

It’s Swede success

29 April 2015

BOXERS from Pegasus ABC in Downpatrick have just returned form a memorable trip to Sweden.

The locals took part in the Slaget om Valhall tournament, hosted by former Downpatrick man Roibeard Speers, who runs Valhall ABC.

Pegasus sent over a mixture of experienced and new talent and they gave their all in front of a sell out crowd.

Eighteen year-old Fionbhar Curran took on a vastly experienced opponent who was 11 years older. Fionbhar, who has got himself into terrific condition, made a flying start and secured the first round.

The second round was a bit more even and although both boxers were tiring in the third, it was the Pegasus lad who rallied best in a dogged encounter to take the verdict 3-0 and secure a winning start in his second stint at the club.

Fionbhar’s brother, Jordan, was paired against Hilal Saleh from Angered ABC and although a lot more inexperienced than his opponent, it rarely showed.

Jordan, short, but powerfully built, stalked the fast boxing Swede, smashing home some cracking right hand counters. Both lads shared an even contest.

Jamie Thomas, who was having his first bout, took on Amain Faily from Skoftebyns ABC and boxed superbly in all three rounds, always in control.

It was hard to believe that this was Jamie’s first contest as he looked like a boxer who has been around for a long time. However, much to everyone’s surprise, his opponent was given a 2-1 verdict.

Jordan Wynn boxed Johan Ljungberg from the host club in another cracking contest. The Swedish boxer seemed to carry the stronger punch, but Jordan was relentless in throwing non-stop combinations over three competitive rounds.

Again, it was hard to believe that was Jordan’s first bout as he showed no signs of nerves and he finished the contest much fresher than his opponent.

Jack Thomas was another boxer who was making his debut when he took on Erik Eagerberg from Uddevalla at 91k.

Jack has an imposing presence and despite his size, punches with quick hands. He proved to be an accomplished boxer who was just too god for his brave opponent. 

Team captain Michael Flanagan boxed Mattias Zatermyr from Valhall in another no decision contest. Michael is a powerfully built banger who threatened to bulldoze his opponent in the first round, winning comfortably.

The second round was a more even round with the younger Swedish fighter landing some good body shots.

The last round was something special with both lads going all out at a frantic pace with Flanagan again landing some crunching blows. After three tumultuous rounds bot boxers received a standing ovation. This bout was later awarded the fight of the night accolade.  

Multi-tournament winner Dylan Duffy stepped up a weight in order to get a fight and he took on Milad Mazdak from Tifa BC, the Swedish national champion.

The Swedish boxer started aggressively and had Dylan under early pressure, but he quickly regained his composure and boxed superbly behind a fast southpaw jab and landed fast combinations on his opponent.

Dylan looked to be in control over rounds two and three, moving quickly to avoid his opponent’s clumsy attacks. Unfortunately, he was edged out in a hotly disputed bout.

A great show by all Pegasus boxers who put on a tremendous display in a hostile environment.