Mayo boxer makes European team

ON February 5, Ballyhaunis Boxing Club's Under 22 boxers travelled to the national stadium in search of an Under 22 Irish title and a seat on the plane to the European Championships in March.

The day brought mixed fortunes for the club.

First into the ring was G1 Irish champion Elizabeth Lloyd who had not long come back onto the boxing circuit and she put on an amazing display of boxing and probably gave the best performance of her young life. She counter punched her opponent in a neck and neck bout and was unfortunate to come out the wrong side of a 3-2 split decision, narrowly missing out on a place on the European team.

Eoghan Lavin, who hails from Midfield in Swinford and travels to train in Ballyhaunis through the week (and has now an impressive eight Irish titles and a European silver medal,) was next into the ring and was probably the most punishing fight ever witnessed. Eóghan caught his opponent with a body shot that dropped him to his knees in the third round and the bout was decided a KO in the third round. Eoghan has now secured his place on the European team and begins his training in the high performance unit in Abbotstown next week.

Both boxers gave wonderful versions of themselves in the national stadium and their club and coaches Martin Peake, Sue Peake, and Vinnie Moran are extremely proud of them.