The curtains closed on a remarkable season for Carlisle Villa Boxing Club as the team rounded off their campaign in style, claiming a host of medals at the prestigious Monkstown Box Cup in Dublin. The Villa boxers, who had been preparing for this moment all year, were determined to make a lasting impression in Europe’s top box cups for schools, junior, and youth boxers. The team’s dedication and perseverance paid off, as they secured a stunning haul of medals that will be remembered for years to come. One of the standout performers was 12-year-old Harley McNeil, who had been tipped for a triple gold medal after his impressive wins at the Teesside and Bristol box cups in recent weeks. Harley’s confidence was evident from the start, as he stormed through his semi-final bout against James McDonagh from Mulhuddart Boxing Academy in Dublin. A thrilling first round saw Harley and James locked in a fierce battle, but the Villa youngster’s determination and skill ultimately paid off. As Harley stepped up a gear in the second round, he began to land two and three-punch combinations with ease, leaving James struggling to keep up. The third round saw Harley in top form, using his quickness and agility to outmaneuver his opponent and secure a comfortable victory. However, in a shocking twist, the judges announced that Ryan had won the bout by a split decision, leaving the crowd in stunned silence. Despite this setback, the Villa team refused to be deterred. Michael Ward, 14, was next up, and he quickly silenced the crowd with a dominant performance against Michael Nevin from Elite Mullingar. Ward’s control and precision were evident from the first bell, as he worked behind his jab and landed solid shots to the body. The crowd was won over, and Ward’s win by unanimous decision was a testament to his skill and experience. The next to take the ring was Olivier Jemilijanovas, 14, who had already demonstrated his prowess in the quarter-final bout against Patrick Maughan from Olympic Mullingar. Jemilijanovas’ impressive performance earned him a spot in the final against Vinny Poppy from Longs ABC in London. The Villa boxer started slowly in the first round but picked up pace in the second, working well behind his jab to secure a unanimous decision victory. Thomas Moore, 12, was the final Villa boxer to compete, and he did not disappoint. Moore’s strong performance in the semi-final bout against Cruz Blair from Evoloution BC in Antrim earned him a spot in the final against Conan Kearney from St Bridget’s BC in Donegal. Moore’s confident start in the first round set the tone for the contest, as he used his reach to control the bout with his jab. The second round saw Moore add two and three-punch combinations to take complete control of the contest. Kearney knew he needed to do something different in the third round, but Moore’s movement and agility proved too much for him, securing a well-deserved gold medal. The Monkstown Box Cup was a resounding success for Carlisle Villa Boxing Club, and the team’s achievements will be remembered for years to come. The Villa boxers’ dedication, skill, and perseverance have paid off, and they will return to the boxing ring next season, hungrier than ever for success.

• Carlisle Villa Boxing Club secured a impressive haul of medals at the Monkstown Box Cup.
• The team’s dedication and perseverance paid off, as they secured a stunning haul of medals that will be remembered for years to come.
• Harley McNeil’s impressive performance in the final against Connor Ryan was a highlight of the tournament.
• The team’s achievements will be remembered for years to come, and they will return to the boxing ring next season, hungrier than ever for success.

“We’re absolutely delighted with our performance. The lads have worked so hard all season, and it’s great to see their dedication paying off.”

“I’m over the moon! I knew I had it in me, but to actually win it is just amazing. I’m so proud of myself and my family.” – Harley McNeil

A split decision is a type of decision in boxing where the judges award the bout to the winner by a margin of 2-1. This means that two judges score the bout in favor of the winner, while the third judge scores it for the loser. In the case of the final bout between Harley McNeil and Connor Ryan, the judges announced that Ryan had won the bout by a split decision, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.