Walled City War highlights semi-pro talent
Hundreds of fight fans packed into Derry hotel to see some incredibly talented and determined fighters get their chance in the ring
A sold-out event at the White Horse Hotel last weekend was enough to show the organisers of the ‘Walled City War’ that semi-pro boxing is alive and well in Derry.
Hundreds of fight fans packed into the Hotel for a unique opportunity to see some incredibly talented and determined fighters get their chance in the ring, and over and over again last Friday night, they did not disappoint.
The fight of the night was an absolute war between Ryan Donnelly and Curtis McLaughlin, which saw both fighters leave everything in the ring before Donnelly emerged as winner.
In the co-main event of the evening, Jack Brown defeated Rytis Dinielius in a five-round classic that went right to the end before they could be separated.
There was a big win for Joe Kelly, who won the Super Middleweight title with a first-round stoppage win against Ryan Doherty, while Oisin O’Reilly had too much for Garet McCormack in another highlight from a memorable night.
In the main event for the Pro Box Heavyweight title, Brian Ward came away with the title as he defeated Malcolm Richardson through knock out thanks to a body shot.
Organiser Lee Gamble, who was grateful for the support of Inside Out Care and Sports NO Medics on the night, was delighted with the success of the show, and agreed that the hard work shown in Pro Gym ahead of the show was evident in the ring.
“It's been going for about two years and it's given people a place to go every week and also a purpose,” he explained. “I'm developing a platform to display their boxing and for them to grow, because they're all quite young and around 18. So, two or three years from me, they'll be able to go on to Pro Boxing then. In the semi-pro scene at the minute, there's lots of pro promotions all watching them, so it's a really good platform to display their skills and be seen by hundreds of thousands of viewers.”
As well as advancing careers, Gamble believes that Pro Gym has saved lives, by giving second chances to those seeking new opportunities in their lives.
“It honestly does keep people away from drink and drugs and stuff. It's brilliant and it does save lives,” he explained.”
James Maguire v Tom McClintock
“The only problem that I faced with this show was not being able to get enough people into the Whitehorse. I could have had three times the amount of people in there.”
Walled City War Results
Exhibitions
James Maguire defeated Tom McClintock
Callum Beeton defeated Fra Lavery
Both contests ended in draws
Shea Kane defeated Malcolm Tross by ko
Connolly Kelly defeated Ryan McKendrick by decision
Daniel Nemeth defeated Davyn Murray by decision
Mark Doherty defeated Tividar Nemeth by decision
Ryan Donnelly defeated Curtis McLaughlin by decision
Raphael Nureson defeated Davy King by decision
Stephen Gable defeated Bobby Smith by decision
Ryan Daye defeated Ben Biernat by decision
Tiger Golliher defeated Steven Power by TKO
Main Event – Pro Box Heavyweight title fight
Brian Ward defeated Malcolm Richardson by KO
Oisin O'Reilly defeated Gareth McCormack by decision
Joe Kelly defeated Ryan Doherty by stoppage
Co-main event
Jack Brown defeated Rytis Dinielius by decision