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FIRST sparring session of the new season got underway last Tuesday in Tralee Boxing Club with boxers coming from Sunnyside BC in Cork and Ballyduff ABC to test their fitness in the ring here in Tralee.
The clubs were preparing novice boxers for the John Mahon Tournament in Limerick last weekend as well as knocking the ring rust off of some of their more experienced boxers in preparation for the new season.
TBC was delighted with the turnout and the quality of boxing displayed by boxers of all levels. We would like to congratulate all the young boxers on their bravery and heart for getting into the ring and hope they all learned well from their experience.
The coaches and committee would also like to extend our thanks to Tony and the crew in Ballyduff, and Ted and all from Sunnyside for facilitating a great night for the kids. You are always welcome in Tralee lads and ladies.
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On a less positive note, TBC was saddened to hear that our neighbouring club from Ballybunion, Cashen Vale BC are fighting for their survival without a home this season.
The club has been a huge part of the Kerry Boxing scene, and has produced numerous Munster and National Champions.
Cashen Vale amongst other clubs, have a long history of teaching the value of hard work and discipline to the young people of North Kerry and helping them to develop their fitness and self confidence through the sport.
We wish Paddy and all the lads the best of luck in finding a home and hopefully being able to continue on their great work with the kids of Kerry.
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Finally we would like to congratulate all of our 3 young boxers who competed in the John Mahon Tournament in Limerick over the weekend.
TBC could not be prouder of each and every one of them for stepping up to compete. Thanks to Kerry County Council community support fund, the competing boxers were provided with all the necessary equipment and gear needed to train for and compete on behalf of the club.
Jayden Mc Grath Hennessy faced a tough old rival in former Tralee Boxing Club boxer and current Munster champion Patrick Mc Carthy. Jayden put on his best performance to date against Paddy but was unsuccessful in the first match of the final day of the tournament.
Joe Moriarty was next into the ring for TBC in his first ever competitive bout. Joe got off to a fantastic start dropping his more experienced opponent at the end of the first round.
Unfortunately inexperience and a little bad luck meant that Joe was unable to capitalise on his first round success and narrowly lost on a decision. Joe came away with a silver medal and the utmost respect of all officials, boxers and spectators watching that incredibly close match.
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Last up representing TBC was Dmitrii Domrachev Jr. Dmitrii faced a very strong opponent who refused to take a step backwards throughout the fight.
After a scrappy start, Dima began to take control of the fight using his jab and forcing his opponent to come to the attention of the referee for constantly dropping his head.
A tough fight for both young men, Dima edged the win and a gold medal in his first performance with Tralee Boxing Club.
