Frank Delaney heaped praise on his young Springhill Boxing Club fighters after a trio competed at the MTK Box Cup last week – with Brandon Murray taking home a gold medal.
Club fighters and coaches travelled down to Penrith in Cumbria to take part in the Lonsdale MTK Box Cup, with Paul Duffy and Jayson Sneddon accompanying Brandon Murray.
Hamilton fighter Murray was competing in the 2005 63kg class and won his semi final against Nathan Hammond of Olympian ABC to progress to the final where he won the gold medal against Fawwaz Onikeku of Northside Manchester to become 2005 63kgs MTK Champion.
Whitburn’s Jayson Sneddon was competing in the 2006 66kg class and lost in the semi final to Lennon Griffiths of the Ring ABC.
Finally, Shotts star Paul Duffy was competing in the 2004 75kg class and lost in a close fight in the quarter-finals to George Abbot of Smallholdings ABC.
Coach Delaney was proud of all his fighters and said: “They all performed really well.
“The semi-final was a very close fight for Brandon, but his fitness really told in the end.
“He’s a very determined laddy. He wants to win all the time. In both fights his fitness and determination definitely got him through. In the final his superior boxing skill, ringcraft and determination to win shone.
“Jayson was up against a very slick operator, a good mover, so he had to really stay up close to him all the time. It was another tight fight, but he did well.
“Paul was a split decision, 3-2, so there wasn’t much in it either.
“On the day, the guy was just that wee bit better than Paul and you just have to shake hands. That’s how it goes.
“Paul performed really well and will take confidence from his performance.”
The trip south also provided an enjoyable team bonding session for the club after over 18 months contending with Covid shutdowns and restrictions.
Delay added: “The good thing about it too was we had a wee social weekend as well.
“These are the wee trips they remember. They all come from different areas, but they get friendly and get to enjoy a good weekend as well as some good boxing.”
Springhill have had a successful few weeks with Jayson recently winning the Scottish Intermediate title and Brandon winning the Scottish Junior title.
Next up for the club is the Western District Championships, with preliminary ties on November 13.
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
