The Erne Boxing Club has another busy and exciting couple of weeks ahead with Anthony Malanaphy and Rhys Owens competing in the Ulster Elite championships and Ciaran Cassidy boxing in his Ulster Nine Counties Schoolboys final this week and then Katie Rasdale challenging for National Tile honours on Saturday of the following week.

Despite the pair having previously boxed in Denmark, Russia, Sweden, and USA between them it’s actually Birmingham in England next summer what both Malanaphy and Owens are dreaming of and now aiming for.

Whilst the Commonwealth Games 2022 Boxing team may have been provisionally been drafted by the Ulster High Performance Unit, winning an Ulster Elite title this week could open a door for further assessment, a possible box-off for even selection for a place on the team.

With both boxers only just joining the Elite ranks this season they are considered underdogs but their chances of causing an upset shouldn’t be dismissed.

“The two lads have worked extremely hard on their craft and fitness during the disruptive Covid period, especially during restrictions and this has enabled them to make up some ground on their more experienced and established competitors.

“This, coupled with being very active so far this season including boxing abroad in Denmark and Sweden along with excellent preparations, has now positioned them with a realistic chance of causing an upset or two,” enthused Sean Crowley, Head Coach of Erne Boxing Club.

Another rising star from Erne Boxing Club outfit is Ciaran Cassidy who despite celebrating his 14th birthday at the weekend has had to stay away from his birthday cake and any indulgences as he is watching his weight for his upcoming Ulster final.

Coached by Erne Boxing Club’s number two, Greg Copeland, he is another boxer that has made great strides and progress during the difficult and uncertain Covid period.

“Schoolboy/girl boxing has suffered the most in the Covid period with no competitions for almost 20 months. However, Ciaran has remained focused and with Greg Copeland’s guidance he has improved immensely and is now on the cusp of his first Ulster title,” added Crowley.

With young prospect Katie Rasdale also vying for a National title the Erne outfit could potentially added to their great success so far this season and finish the year on a real high.