Rory Baird, winner of the nine county championships on Saturday at boy 4: 46kg grade.
Last Saturday Ederney youngster Rory Baird set out to claim another nine county title to his collection. Baird, who is now competing at the Boy 4 (46KG) weight category knew at this age group he would get nothing easy.
The St Michael’s, Enniskillen student was out of action in recent months, so he was hoping to shake of some ring rust and claim what would be his second nine county championship. However after putting some hard work in the gym, training three nights a week Baird felt fully prepared. The championships were held in Eglinton boxing club in Derry. Baird was handed a straight final in the draw where came up against Pearse McCann from newly formed boxing club, Omagh Academy.
After a nervous and shaky start, Baird found himself in a difficult situation. Knowing he had most likely dropped the first round on the score cards the Ederney boxer came into his own for the remainder of the fight. He dominated the second round with explosive combinations along with smart boxing.
The final round was much the same with Baird now boxing his best, the Fermanagh man going on to win a unanimous decision. Baird and coach Oliver Kelly were delighted with the result and how he performed. The Ederney ABC boxer was one of only a few Fermanagh or Tyrone boxers to claim a nine county title in these championships which highlights his achievement.
Baird now needs to keep the hard work up as he now prepares for the Mid-Ulster championships at the end of March, which act as a qualifier for the Ulster and All-Ireland Championships.