Braid boxer Jacob has to settle for silver in Irish finals

Braid ABC’s Jacob Bradshaw claimed a silver medal in the Irish championships recently after a controversial finals night contest in Dublin.
Jacob Bradshaw pictured with his Irish silver medal and Braid ABC coach Sean O`Boyle.Jacob Bradshaw pictured with his Irish silver medal and Braid ABC coach Sean O`Boyle.
Jacob Bradshaw pictured with his Irish silver medal and Braid ABC coach Sean O`Boyle.

Jacob was boxing in the Irish championships after claiming the Co Antrim 86kg division only a few short weeks earlier.

Jacob faced a very worthy opponent in the final and had to adapt his usual aggressive boxing style and box at range and with two and three punch combinations.

Jacobs tactics were spot on and he easily won the first round, the second round his opponent turned up the pressure and claimed the second round.

Braid ABC's newest County Antrim champion Rio Dunlop.Braid ABC's newest County Antrim champion Rio Dunlop.
Braid ABC's newest County Antrim champion Rio Dunlop.

Jacob once again dug deep to produce a brilliant last round, giving his opponent a standing count and Jacob, his coaches and supporters were surprised to hear the split decision verdict go against him,

“Obviously we are very, very disappointed at the judging and have made our feeling very clear,” said Braid ABC head coach John McLeister.

“The computer printout of the adjudicators’ scores has been given for our analysis but its difficult to se what can be done and we have to pick ourselves up and move on.

“Jacob has to be happy with his performances and take encouragement from the fact he came so close. He knows he can win the title in the future,” added John.

Meanwhile, there was more success for the Ballykeel-based club in the recent County Antrim Junior championships.

Rio Dunlop in his first Antrim championships claimed the gold and has become the most recent Braid ABC Boxing champion.

The 11 year old, Dunclug Primary school student, who was beaten in the Co Antrim Novices earlier on this year, has only commenced boxing this year and has already proved to be a high potential.

Rio returned to Belfast’s St Kevin hall in a repeat of his last fight but this time stepped it up and won his Semi-final bout against a Holy Trinity opponent. Rio then boxed in the final and came away with a dominant win. Rio has a natural talent which will be developed at the Braid club and will ensure Rio many more titles in years to come.

Two other Braid Boxers also reached the finals but has to settle for Silver medals.

Paul O’Rawe and Reece Marshal both boxed in the finals and came away with silvers after two very close contests.

Also boxing was 12 year old Stephen Reid from Braid ABC, Stephen narrowly missed out on his place to box in the final but gave a sterling display and will no doubt be a name to listen out for as the boys progress to bigger fights.