The Irish Amateur Third-level Boxing Association selected a team of four boxers to compete at the Dagenham ABC home show at Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club on Friday February 21^st 2014. The trip came about due to an invite to compete in the East London club’s event from “Daggers” Head Coach Danny O’Sullivan. Danny is the MC for the famous Haringey International Box Cup, where an IATBA Select team competed with distinction in 2013. He was also MC for the London 2012 Olympics Boxing event.

Competing for the Irish Third-level team were UL students Fionnbarr Thompson (Moy Valley), the current IATBA Novice 64 Kg champion, and heavyweight Cathal O’Donovan (University of Limerick) in just his second contest. DCU were represented by Sean Cuddy (Arbour Hill) at 67 Kg. Cavan Institute’s Leroy Dick (Navan), 64 Kg Irish Intermediates contender, was the fourth boxer on the team.

The first bout of the night for the IATBA team was southpaw Fionnbarr Thompson against Daggers boxer Reid Hill. Thompson was making his second appearance for the IATBA, having taken a win against the Defence Forces previously. The contest was very close for all three rounds with the heavy hitting Hill doing just enough to secure a split decision victory.

Fionnbarr Thompson

Coach Daniel Sweeney with Fionnbarr Thompson

Next up was Leroy Dick, back in the ring after a while out, in a cracking cross match with Louie Green of Strood ABC. This bout had some fierce in-fighting and close exchanges, both boxers exerting pressure on the opponent throughout. Green’s greater fitness showed through at the end as he took a unanimous decision and was awarded best away boxer later in the night for his efforts.

Leroy Dick

Sean Cuddy continued his good recent form with a split decision victory in a very tight 67 Kg match with Mayland ABC’s Jack Martin. Cuddy’s superior power and fitness were decisive in taking the win.

The last bout of a marathon evening of boxing was in the novice heavyweight class where Cathal O’Donovan faced Dagenham’s Karolis Mockus in a lively encounter with a distinct contrast of styles. O’Donovan worked off his jag using his reach advantage while Mockus came forward throwing flurries of powerful straight shots and hooks. Mockus’ greater work rate won the day and he sealed a unanimous victory on the judge’s cards.

A big thanks to Dagenham ABC for the invitation and hospitality.

Irish Third-level Team

Fionnbarr Thompson (Moy Valley)

Leroy Dick (Navan)

Sean Cuddy (Arbour Hill)

Cathal O’Donovan (University of Limerick)

Coaches

Daniel Sweeney (IATBA)

Paul Geoghegan (IATBA)