Four Mayo boxers were in action in the 2013 National Junior Cadets semi and finals last weekend. Eric Nash (Knockmore BC ) was to participate in his semi final in the 52kg division against Peter McCarton (Bishop Kelly BC, Tyrone ) but the northern boxer withdrew from the championships. Nash was up against a good clean puncher Airijus Vitlipas (St Davids, Naas ) in the final on Saturday afternoon. Nash and his father and coach had the luxury of watching the Polish boxer in his semi final on Friday evening and the important notes and video was taken to view later that night. The homework was done, the hard training was complete and when Nash stepped into the ring at 2pm on Saturday he was simply outstanding throughout the three rounds and caught the Naas boy every time he lead a punch and missed which was quite often. Vitlipas was considered a quality boxer by various club coaches after his impressive semi final win but Nash made him look quite ordinary and the Knockmore boxer went on to win his second personal title and the clubs second in their short five year history. The three judges gave all rounds to Nash and he won on a unanimous decision 3-0.
Jack Kavanagh (Swinford BC ) was involved in the opening contest of the championship on Friday evening, against an extremely skilful boxer from (Oakleaf BC, Derry ) Thomas Stokes in the 38.5kg final. The Mayo boxer was unfortunate not to get the nod after the final bell and it showed in his emotions after the decision was announced. Kavanagh had one of his best contests of the championship and made a vast improvement on his previous scores against the same opponent.
Kacper Buru (St Anne’s BC ) won his second title this season in the 68kg division out-pointing Jordan Joyce (St Francis BC Limerick ) in the final. Buru went forward at every opportunity punching well in the process and it showed in his scoring as he was awarded the contest by all three judges. This was national title number 11 this season for the club and Buru’s second. Martin Collins (Ballina BC ) did not perform to his full potential and lost his 76+kg final against Blaine O’Brien (Clonmel BC ) on a score of 3-0.
Both Buru and Nash will now be selected on the National 18 boxer team to compete in the 2013 European Junior championships which will run from July 28 to August 4 in City West Dublin.
