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Edward McDonagh delighted with fifth Irish title following heavyweight slugfest


Edward McDonagh and Pierre Stokes closed the show at the National Under-18 championships with a good old heavyweight ding-dong.

The 91kg pair traded heavy shots for three rounds, with Lumpini’s McDonagh eventually getting the nod on a majority decision following a good-natured slugfest.

A throwback fight, the pair embraced and took photographs afterwards following a sporting contest

Champion McDonagh explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “I do my best inside the ring and we can be friends outside it, I’m a sportsman.”

“He was very good, very, very tough and it’s the honest truth that I hope Pierre goes far in the future.”

A gruelling fight, McDonagh was able to overcome his size disadvantage to get inside and land the more telling blows.

The Galwegian teen credited his training for the win and noted how “I have to thank my uncle Edward and Jim Sweeney who really put me through it.”

“We started all together as a team to win this and in the gym we’ve had bad days and good days and, thank God, I’ve come out the best after it.”

“It was a very, very tough fight to be honest with you”

“The main thing about it is that I’ve won my fifth Irish title and, please God, there’ll be many more to come if I have my way.”

One of the youngest champions on the night, McDonagh will be back at the next Youth championships and wants to keep winning titles.

“I’m under-18s again next year, I’m on the younger side,” he outlined.

“I’ll take a week off, we’re going to take it one step at the time, I’ve the Celtic Box Cup I’m going to enter that and we’ll keep going and going.”

“I’ll keep coming and I’m hoping to get better.”

Photo Credit: National Stadium Boxing Videos

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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