Scots Youths In Mostar Medal Success
Last weekend proved to be both dramatic and successful with two ABS Squads jetting off to compete in Mostar, Bosnia and Dublin, Ireland.
Firstly, our Youths headed to out for the Mostar Tournament, competing against nations across Europe. The trip presented a number of challenges. Firstly red tape almost resulted in a missed flight at Vienna Airport after Customs Officials refused the boxers entry, due to legislation stating they required parental permission to travel as they were under 18.
Michael McGurk
This issue was quickly resolved after ABS Chairman Richard Thomas immediately faxed over a letter confirming permission to travel had been received. Upon receiving this, the Austrian Officials granted the boxers permission and they quickly made their way onboard with the flight set to leave the tarmac.
As if this wasnt enough, confusion regarding weights at the draw in Mostar threatened to disrupt preparations further along with Grant Quigley unfortunately having to pull out of the tournament due to a hand injury.
The young Scots showed their resolve however with Michael McGurk and Mark McKeown both winning their semi-final bouts on the Friday evening against opponents from France and Croatia respectively.
Unfortunately, Rhys Pagan and Keiran Smith could not overcome boxers from Hungary and Montenegro in their semi-finals, but with Michael McGurk going on to win his final against Attilla Mate of Hungary and Mark McKeown losing out in a close final contest with France Dilian Carlier, the Scots headed home with a Gold, Silver and two Bronze medals, leaving their mark on the European boxing world.
Elite Boxers In Last Minute Dash To Dublin
To add to what was already an eventful weekend, ABS saw an Elite squad fly out to Dublin last minute, after India sensationally pulled out of an International with Ireland. With strong relations building between Scotland and Ireland, ABS answered the call from IABA to step in and provide the opponents for the International at the National Stadium in Dublin.
After frantic preparations, ABS with the help of Lochend coaches Terry McCormack and John McCarron, who volunteered to take the squad to Ireland, put together a team of Senior boxers, who with no time to spare, flew out to take on the Irish.
As one of the strongest nations in World boxing, Ireland would always prove to be formidable opponents. Add to that, the fact that the Scots had little or no time to prepare for the match up, and an overall 6-3 defeat is a pleasing return, with John Thomson, James Thomson and Christopher Givan all winning their bouts.
ABS would like to thank all the boxers and coaches who admirably represented their country at both these events. The standard of boxing and attitude presented by all involved highlights our boxers and coaches togetherness especially in the face of adversity.
This will serve to enhance Scotlands reputation throughout the World of Boxing.
