Daniel’s on his way to the Europeans!

Mullingar Elite Boxing Club have a new national cadet champion in the form of Daniel Joyce. Four wins to claim the 44kg title was a tough ask for Daniel, who beat two All-Ireland champions and a finalist to succeed.

Daniel first boxed Harvey Corcoran from Castle BC in a highly entertaining fight. Both lads gave their all from the first bell, but it was Joyce’s speed and hard punches that wore his opponent down and won him the fight.

Next for Daniel was 2 Castles’ Tom Joyce. Tom looked impressive in his previous fight, and we thought we were in for a hard night’s work. But Daniel’s speed was again the deciding factor, as he caught Joyce with a solid right-hand to force the first standing count.

Twenty seconds later, Daniel delivered another solid shot, forcing the ref to call a halt to the fight in the first round.

Next up for Daniel was Ballina’s John Sweeney. This was a tricky fight for Daniel, as Sweeney was holding and making a mess of the fight. Daniel caught Sweeney with a right hook, sending him to the canvass, but somehow the ref never gave a count. After three scrappy rounds, Daniel prevailed and booked his place in the final.

Finals day came and it was a Mullingar derby, as we faced Jason Donohoe, this year’s Boy 2 Irish champion from Olympic Boxing Club, Mulllingar. Daniel was focused and determined to win.

He started fast, catching Donohoe with solid back-hands. Daniel’s speed and power was too intense for the Olympic BC boxer, and after three great rounds, Daniel’s hand was raised.

Daniel now starts training with the Irish squad, who will be flying out to Turkey on August 10 to compete in the European Championships.

The club would like to thank Matty Charles and David Nevin for bringing Daniel to the stadium and for spars. All the club wishes Daniel the best of luck in Turkey.