Josh Doran wins back-to-back titles in five days

JOSH Doran from St Bronagh’s Youth Boxing Club Rostrevor got his season off to a great start winning back to back titles in 5 days.

Josh who has been improving by leaps and bounds over these past two years, was in top form beating Aaron McClean from Ledley Hall Belfast to lift the NIBAGC Championship.

It was a tough 3 x 3 min contest, both boxers showing a lot of skill and ring craft, landing the own combinations but midway through the second round, Josh took control forcing his opponent back with his jab onto the ropes. McClean didn’t like the pressure he was under and kept putting his head down and was constantly warned by the referee.

In the 3rd round, Josh upped the pace constantly catching him with his jab and back hand right and stepping out with his left hooks. A point deduction for McClean putting his head down again made Josh the Winner and 65kgs Champion.

Fresh from winning that Championship the Club travelled to Clonmanny in Donegal for the 1st Peter O’Donnell Box Cup. Peter was known as the voice of Irish boxing. He compered at all the big championships in Northern Ireland and Ireland and he also travelled the world as Team Manager for Irish Teams as well.

A gentleman to everyone that he met and the Box Cup was a fitting tribute to the man that just loved boxing and the people it represented. St. Bronagh’s were priviledged to take part and for Josh to come away with the Peter O’Donnell Under 19 63.5 kg title after another 3 round battle with another Belfast Boxer Michael McKernon from Glengormley was the Icing on the Cake.

They were involved in a 3 round war, both boxers leaving it all in the ring with Josh looking the stronger in the last minute and that edging a 2/1 split decision in Josh’s favour.

This was a mighty reward for Josh who trains really hard every night in the Club and is now reaping the success of that.