The Erne Boxing Club’s opening gambit to the new boxing season saw mixed fortunes for two of their boxers.

Cameron Suttle got the Ernesiders season underway competing at the Ulster Senior Champions in the Open Class category in Belfast last Wednesday night.

His semi final bout in the 63.5kg class against Holy Trinity Boxing Club’s Luke Moneyglass was merely a minute into the contest when an accidental clash of heads opened a nasty cut on Suttle’s forehead.

The contest was halted and went to the scorecards where judges awarded Moneyglass the decision.

The contest had barely got going but even if the decision had gone Suttle’s way his participation in the competition was over as the wound needed several stitches.

The following weekend, Rhys Owens headed to the Haslev Box Cup in Denmark where two impressive victories not only saw him win gold but also the Best Boxer accolade.

In his semi final match, Owens was pitted against Danish opponent Maher Khatib (Hornslet BK) in the Elite 60kg class.

Owens punched with precision, picking his opponent off with crisp combinations and using good foot and body reflexes to have his opponent swatting air.

After three comprehensive rounds, he earned a clear unanimous points win 5-0.

On the following Sunday afternoon, he was back in action facing another Danish opponent Daniel Pedersen (Aarhus Athlet BK) in the final.

With Owens having height and reach advantages in addition to his greater skill set, Pedersen was unable to land a punch of note.

Owens dominated all three rounds and forced his opponent to take a count in the final session on route to wide points decision and again it was unanimous 5-0 in his favour.

Owens, who turned 22 the day before the competition commenced, had to put his birthday celebrations on hold but his sacrifice was worthwhile as in addition to winning gold he was awarded the Boxer of the Tournament accolade.

Erne Boxing Club’s Head Coach Sean Crowley commented: “Rhys was exceptional this weekend. He made two very strong and tough opponents with good reputations look very ordinary.

“He now works towards a contest in Manchester later this month and then the National Elite Championships in November.

“We are still waiting on a decision on whether Ireland will send a team to the European U22s Championships in Armenia and we are hoping they do as we will be highly confident that Rhys will medal there if he’s given the opportunity.”