Desmond hailed as ‘outstanding' by his coach Andy Kerins
JACK Desmond has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by his coach, Andy Kerins, after the Bantry ABC teenager won his second national boxing title in three years last Saturday.
The talented Bantry boxer was terrific and oozed class as he captured the national Junior 2 52kg title at the National Stadium.
Two years ago Desmond won the Boys’ 4 39kg title off the back of losing All-Ireland finals in 2014 and 2015, and now the six-time county and Munster champ has added a second national title to his growing collection.
In this final the West Cork boxer got into his rhythm and boxed superbly against Liberty ABC standout Jake McMahon during their three-round encounter. McMahon is a first cousin of the current undisputed women’s world lightweight champion Katie Taylor and he was a formidable opponent.
Bantry ABC head coach Andy Kerins said: ‘Jack was outstanding. He had to dig deep to get over the line. We knew coming into this that it was never going to be easy. It’s never easy to win an Irish title, but Jack was so determined to win back his title that it was going to take someone really special to beat him.
‘There was a moment of real hearts-in-the-mouth stuff when the decision was announced as a 3-2 split decision before Jack had his hand raised in victory, but we were confident we’d done enough to get the nod.’
Jack’s father, Andrew, also worked the corner for his son’s fourth Irish final in six years.
Desmond now travels to Italy next week to box on two shows over there with an Irish selection; just rewards for his endeavours. He is also in line to win his, and Bantry ABC’s, first international vest in the not-too-distant future with an international being lined up against possible opponents Germany.
Even better is that this international is being touted to take place in West Cork. Negotiations are on-going for this event which would be a massive coup for the area.
Even though these negotiations are in the embryonic stages there is a fierce drive and determination to get this event on. It really is a case of watch this space.