Training for the ‘Clash of the Codes’, the boxing match that has
Coleraine sports fans buzzing, is getting more intense in the run up to the big
night on 9 April.
The fundraising event is a joint venture between Eoghan Rua GAC and
Coleraine Rugby Club and will see members of both sporting clubs do battle to
decide which club is ‘King of the Ring’.
There are twelve male and four female
boxing matches on the night, but as yet none of the fighters know who they will
face when they step into the ring at the rugby club.
Boxers from each club have been training hard, Eoghan Rua at Skerries
ABC, Portrush and Coleraine at Coleraine ABC.
Boxing coaches from both boxing clubs
have been putting the fighters through their paces, teaching them how to give
and take a punch and making sure they have the stamina to last the contest.
The event, sponsored by Shenanigans, Portstewart, is already a massive
success and the few remaining tickets are like gold dust - but there are
still a few available. Sponsors, organisers and supporters have been
working with the boxers for two months and all that preparation is going to
make it a night to remember for both clubs.
To get an insight into the preparation, two of the key fighters, one
from each club, have been giving their thoughts on talking part in the event.
Mikey Poskitt, 22, is rugby captain for Coleraine RFC this year and
Barry McGoldrick, 30, a Derry senior player and former county captain, gave
some very candid observations about their venture into the ring.
Why did you volunteer to take
part in Clash of the Codes?
Barry: I wanted to learn new skills in boxing. Always been interested
in it and I wanted to see if I could take a punch!
Mikey: To be honest I wasn't going to volunteer because of the earful I
knew I would get from my mum and girlfriend about any damage to my face.
However, I decided to bite the bullet as it’s always something I've wanted to
try!
What did you think when you
first got punched in the face?
Barry: I thought to myself, “I've totally underestimated Joe Diamond”.
Mikey: Well my defence is pretty much perfect so I will get back to you
when it happens – Haha. No, I thought it would be a lot worse in fairness, it's
really not as bad as you'd think.
What you have liked about
training?
Barry: Learning how to throw a punch....there’s a lot more skill than I
thought. I’ve a lot more respect for boxers and their fitness.
Mikey: The only thing I like about training is when I'm told the
session is over. Ryan, Dean and Adam (trainers) really break us down every
single time we are in the gym.
What is your aim on the night?
Barry: To keep all my teeth
Mikey: My aim for the night is the exact same as everyone else who will
be stepping into the ring.... First punch knockout! In the unlikely event that
that doesn't happen, I suppose I'd be happy with the win.
Who is the best boxer on your
squad?
Barry: Niall Holly and Joe Diamond.... Big hitters.
Mikey: I'm presuming I can't say myself for this question so I'm going
to have to go for Steven Dickie. It will be tough for anyone forced to step
into the ring against him on the night.
If you were a pro boxer who
would you be?
Barry: Joe Frazer
Mikey: Floyd Mayweather without a doubt. His antics out of the ring
cause a bit of controversy but once he steps into that ring there is no arguing
that he is one of the all times greats! His record speaks for itself, 49-0.
Do you think you’ll continue
boxing after the Clash of the Codes is over?
Barry: Yes, I'd like to keep the training going....something different
and helps freshen training up.
Mikey: I really think I will. I love everything about Coleraine ABC,
the trainers, the laughs and the fitness side of things, so I will keep
training and if another fight comes up I'd be happy to step in the ring again.
For further information about the event
