Win keeps Donnelly on course for Olympic dream

Steven Donnelly won his second successive WSB bout in Miami. Picture: Press Eye.

The Ballymena boxer made it two wins from two outings in the prestigious competition in America last week.

Donnelly, competing for the Polish Hussars team against USA Knockouts, followed up his impressive debut as he scored a unanimous decision (49-46,50-45,48-47) over Brian Cabella at the Miccosukee Sports & Entertainment Dome in Miami.

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist landed the cleaner and heavier shots, commanded the ring better and regularly had his opponent guessing, notably in the fifth when he briefly switched from orthodox stance to southpaw.

Donnelly, who has been dubbed ‘the Irish Pole’ in his team’s homeland, was the only member of the Polish team to win against the American team as he aims to continue to climb the welterweight rankings in WSB, to secure one of the automatic qualifying spots for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Meanwhile, back at home, one of All Saints ABC’s up and coming young stars, Tyler McMullan, won in convincing style to lift the Ulster title, dominating his fight from start to finish.

It was a double celebration for the rising star as he has also been picked to represent Northern Ireland in Washington against a USA Select on April 6.