The ABS Youth Squad travelled to Dublin at the weekend to compete in a Round Robin tournament with Ireland, England and Italy. Coming up against three of the strongest European boxing nations, this was always going to be a tough test for the Scotland squad, a test which they passed with flying colours… and then some.
Friday saw our boxers up against their counterparts from England with Mark McKeown facing the impressive Qais Ashfaq. After a slow start Mark finished the stronger of the two boxers but unfortunately it wasnt enough as the damaged had been done early in the bout and young Ashfaq ran out an 18-10 winner. This thankfully wasnt a sign of things to come and was a tough start to the tournament as Ashfaq remained unbeaten throughout the weekend.
Next up was a big punching affair between Rhys Pagan and Thomas Waite. Both boxers produced some impressive body blows and Rhys tight guard proved the difference as he ran out a 14-11 winner.
Kieran Smith faced a tall order as he was paired with current ABA Senior Champion Damon Jones. The bout was very cagey with neither boxer wanting to concede points. A change in approach by Kieran going into round 2 saw him gain the upper hand, which remained for the rest of the contest as Scotland picked up a second impressive victory 8-7.
Grant Quigley continued his impressive form as once again he displayed his power and tight defence to overcome John Newall 10-6.
Finally, Scott Forrest was involved in an epic battle with Joshua Buatsi. In a high scoring contest, both boxers were landing big punches. The result was always going to depend on who wanted it more and Scott was the one to push himself and run out a well deserved 21-16 winner.
A good first day for Scotland as they overcame England by 4-1. A fantastic performance.
ABS Youth Squad in Dublin (from top left) Scott Forrest, Joe Ham, Mike Keane, Tony Kerr, Frank McLaughlin, Rhys Pagan, Grant Quigley, Keiran Smith, Mark McKeown
Saturday saw ABS paired with boxers from Italy as the young Scots looked to build on Fridays victory over England.
These plans were scuppered slightly, first with Mark McKeowns opponent withdrawing through injury, then Rhys Pagan himself having to withdraw, mid-way through his bout with Vincenzo Morello after going over on his ankle. This was unfortunate as Rhys was ahead on points at the time of the stoppage.
Kieran Smith was next up as he looked to put more points on the board for Scotland. In another tight affair against Dario Morello, Kieran claimed his second win of the weekend, taking the decision on a countback after the bout was scored 7-7.
Grant Quigley was paired with another powerful boxer, experienced Guiseppe Ranno. Due to his opponents power and experience, Grant had to change his style to counteract the Italian, a tactic which proved successful as he ran out a deserved 11-9 winner.
Scott Forrest was also due to be involved in the Italian contests but his opponent also withdrew. In a change to the schedule, he took on Irelands Stephen Broadhurst. Against a tricky opponent Scott competed well and was unlucky to lose 11-8.
So, Saturday produced another Scottish success with an overall 2-1 victory over Italy.
Sunday saw the ABS squad competing with hosts Ireland. Mark McKeown finally got the chance to make amends for his opening defeat to Englands Qais Ashfaq, as he boxed Irelands Christy Nevin. Mark built up a solid lead throughout the contest and ran out a 19-5 winner.
Rhys Pagan didnt box due to his ankle injury, so the second contest featured Kieran Smith versus Christy Joyce. Kieran didnt start well and found himself 5-1 down after the first round. However he did not let this get to him and showed great attitude to get back into the bout. Unfortunately, young Irishman Joyce was boxing well and he ended victorious overcoming Kieran 15-7.
Grant Quigley unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury so was unable to box on the final day. This left Scott Forrest, who had already faced Irish opposition, to take on Gary Sweeney. Young Sweeney is a very experienced boxer and this showed as he ran out a 16-9 winner, despite a great effort from Scott.
The hosts claimed a 2-1 victory over the young Scots, however, overall the weekend was a huge success for Scottish youth boxing as our squad not only competed but excelled against some of Europes top boxers.
Full round up of the weekends scores
Friday
Qais Ashfaq (England) beat Mark McKeown 18-10
Rhys Pagan beat Thomas Waite (England) 14-11
Kieran Smith beat Damon Jones (England) 8-7
Grant Quigley beat John Newall (England) 10-6
Scott Forrest beat Joshua Buatsi (England)
Saturday
Rhys Pagan v Vincenzo Morello (stopped due to ankle injury)
Kieran Smith beat Dario Morello (Italy) Countback 7-7
Grant Quigley beat Guiseppe Ranno (Italy) 11-9
Stephen Broadhurst (Ireland) beat Scott Forrest 11-8
Sunday
Mark McKeown beat Christy Nevin (Ireland) 19-5
Christy Joyce (Ireland) beat Kieran Smith 15-7
Gary Sweeney (Ireland) beat Scott Forrest 16-9
