Walled City War highlights semi-pro talent

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.

IN PICTURES: Derry showcases 'Walled City War' Boxing Show

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.”

“It's a bridge between amateur and pro. And it also gives older boxers a chance to keep competing because there's not a massive amount of opportunities in amateur boxing for older people. Once you hit 40, you're a coach in everybody else's eyes. But semi-pro is providing a platform for people to box at an older age.

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