Joel aiming for first intermediate boxing title

The All Saints fighter takes on Errigal’s Patrick Bradley in the final of the featherweight (57kg) category at the Dockers’ Club in Belfast.

Scullion secured his place in the decider by beating Garvagh’s Christopher McPeake in Friday night’s semi-final.

“Joel was fantastic for the opening two rounds and did everything we asked of him,” said All Saints coach Gerry Hamill.

“He came under a lot of pressure in the third round and seemed to tire a bit, but he had enough in the bank to claim the win – he had boxed McPeake previously at a show in Ballymena and it was a tight contest.”

There was no such joy, though, for All Saints’ other representative on Friday, with Vinny Esler losing 22-12 to Errigal’s Michael Glendinning in the semi-final of the light-welterweight (64kg) category.

“In my opinion, Vinny lost the fight in the opening round but I have to give him credit for his performance against a lad who’s a three-time Irish juvenile champion.

“I’m never disappointed about a result when I see a boxer giving his all, and Vinny just lacked a wee bit of the experience and know-how that his opponent had,” added Gerry.

l Meanwhile, All Saints’ next generation of boxers are preparing to show off their skills on a stage close to home when they compete in this weekend’s Ulster Nine Counties Championships, which will be held at Braid ABC’s Ballykeel clubrooms.

Christie Convery, Oisin Doherty, Raymond Ward, Aidan Kelly and Ricky Moore make up the All Saints panel who will battle for glory, with a big home crowd expected.

l Congratulations to All Saints’ Reece McDonnell, from Portglenone, who won his first Ulster novice title last week.

l The club is holding a show for its 8-11-year-old boxers in the Cushendall Road clubrooms this Sunday, November 18 (2pm).