Offaly boxer claims national title on late father's birthday
Big win for Pullough man
THERE were great celebrations in Dublin's National Stadium on Saturday night when an Offaly boxer won a national title.
Paul Loonam captured the BUI Irish super-bantameight title with a great sixth round knockout win over Belfast's Ruadhan Farrell in the final fight in the JB Promotions Judgement Day card.
It was an emotional win for the Pullough man as it occurred on the birthday of his late father, also Paul. Paul Loonam died tragically in a work accident last year and had been a leading light in his son's boxing career, coaching him from a young age.
Wearing a chain with a picture of his father on it, Paul Loonam remarked after his win: “We are all here because of him and we are going to keep carrying on, one foot in front of the other and we will keep pushing on in honour of him.”
Loonam turned professional after not making the Paris Olympics and has an undefeated record so far. With a big crowd from Pullough and Offaly cheering him on, this was a big win for him, his first knockout and should open a lot of doors.
He was delighted with his win after a tough battle, paying tribute to his coach, Philip Keogh who advised him to drop his left hook down and he duly did this for the knockout punch to the body.
He thanked the many people who travelled to Dublin to support him, family and friends.
Asked afterwards about the possibility of a fight for a European title in O'Connor Park, he said “maybe”, stating that he would take a couple of days off before considering his options.