Big win for Offaly professional boxer

AN emerging professional boxer from Offaly had a huge win in the National Stadium, Tallaght last Saturday night.

Paul Loonam took another big step forward when he had a hard earned win over Myles Casey to take the BUI Celtic super bantamweight title.

In superb physical shape, Loonam gave a very controlled and disciplined display in a real tough battle before claiming the title on a majority points decision.

Limerick man Casey gave Loonam plenty of it and he did very well to win. The Pullough man turned professional last year and has made a very steady start in the paid ranks.

A member of a very well known Pullough boxing and GAA family, Loonam started boxing in St Carthage's Boxing Club, Rahan several years ago, under the tutelage of his father, also Paul.

A former national amateur champion, he has embraced all aspects of professional boxing – him and Casey even at a bit of a dust-up at the weigh in last week.

There was great interest on his home turf of Pullough and surrounding areas for Saturday's fight and Loonam's profile should increase across the county and further afield as he continues to make progress.

A delighted Paul Loonam was thrilled with his win, thanking all who were in attendance “for the great noise and support in that stadium”.

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“Last night was a truly a great fight that had it all. Big well done to Myles for a cracking contest,” he remarked, thanking his back-room team.

He will now take a couple of weeks off before returning to the gym and preparing for his next challenge.