Casey: 2013 beating prepared me for Senior success
A ONE sided ‘hammering’ suffered in the National Stadium in the early rounds of the National Elite Senior Championships three years ago thought Myles Casey what it takes to become Senior Champion.
The St Francis southpaw’s first taste of Senior fighting was seasoned with Chris Phelan punches, but the younger brother of former European Champion Willie Casey claims that ‘beating’ has given not only given him motivation to succeed, but has thought him what is needed to be successful at the top amateur level.
Casey progressed past TJ Waite of 52kg on Friday last and speaking after the fight Casey told Irish-boxing.com.
“That is my second Senior fight. I came up when I was 17 for the experience and I took a bad hammering that night, but I learnt what it was like to fight on this stage and what it takes to win in this competition. Chris Phelan went on to reach the final that year and he beat me bad on the way, but I seen the level you need to be at.”
Awaiting Casey, who couldn’t contain his joy post semi final win, in the final is Evan Metcalfe from the Crumlin gym his big brother trains in as a pro.
The 20 year old Intermediate and Under 23 champion of Ireland wasn’t aware of who awaited in the final at the time of talking to the press, but he made it clear he was confident he could go all the way.
“I am overjoyed to be in the final, I train to win, so I will be going in to win my first senior title. I can’t wait for it.”
St Francis, who have Casey and Tinkler at xx kgs in Friday night finals, coach Ken Moore was equally pleased for the ‘improving’ Limerick man and also expressed final victory desire.
“He is improving all the time, he isn’t there yet, but he is very close,” he told Irish-boxing.com.
“He has two titles already this year the Intermediates and the under 23 and now he is in the final of the Seniors.
“The final of the Seniors is like Croke Park for clubs on St Patrick’s Day or the FAI Junior Cup final. It is the biggest thing in our sport and Miles will be there next week. He won’t just go to the final to compete he will go in to win it.”
