Braid ace Corey set for Washington adventure

Corey who is competing this week in the Country Antrim championships is hoping to make it six in a row, having won this prestigious title each year since he started competing at boxing.

Corey, who is considered one of the best 66kg boxers in Ireland, will be boxing above his weight this year and competing at 69kgs.

“Corey is boxing this week and is still preparing for the Washington trip and so we are happy to slow down his weight loss programme and allow him to make the weight for Washington much easier,” said Braid ABC coach John Mcleister.

“I would not want him to have to make the weight for the county championships and have to retain this for a few more weeks for Washington so we made the decision, after watching him spar more senior boxers, to move him up a weight.

“Corey is so naturally strong and with very quick hands so we are confident he can hold his own at this weight. Corey will be hoping to secure the gold and book his place in the Irish championships next month.

“Corey has been with Braid ABC since he was 9 years old and has matured into an all-round talented boxer, at only 16 Corey already spars regularly with intermediate and senior boxers, this gives Corey confidence and a belief that he can compete at that level one day.

“Corey is a very popular lad in the club and now has a huge fan base amongst the mini and junior boxers who try to emulate his style. He has been training hard over the last number of weeks in preparation for the bouts and is looking forward to representing his club and his country as part of the Northern Ireland team for the USA.”

Corey is grateful to his employer Willie Allen, of Allen Meats, who has helped Corey with the trip expenses.