Heavyweight champion

Darragh McDonagh

Coleman Barrett has become the first Galway man in 66 years to capture the Irish heavyweight boxing title following his points victory over Colin Kenna at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.The 27-year-old is just the third Galway boxer ever to be crowned Irish Heavyweight Champion, following in the footsteps of Kilbannon’s Pat Maher in 1890 and Martin Thornton from Spiddal in 1944.

He recovered well from an early scare and showed creditable stamina to defeat his Dublin-born opponent on points by 97-92.Barrett began the bout as strong favourite following his impressive performance in the recent Prizefighter tournament and Southampton-based Kenna came into the fight having lost seven of his last eight contests.

It was the Galway man who started stronger despite conceding nearly two stone to Kenna, but his early dominance was reversed when he found himself flat on the canvas in the second round.

Kenna caught him square with a massive right hook that dropped him to the floor for an eight count. Barrett struggled to his feet but continued to look groggy as he was pummelled on the ropes and endured a blitz from his opponent for the remainder of the round.The Dubliner couldn’t finish him however, and the Galway heavyweight displayed amazing endurance to withstand the onslaught and make it back to his corner still on his feet.

Barrett, cousin of former Olympian, Francie Barrett, recovered well and quickly had Kenna on the back foot when the fight resumed. Kenna looked to be in poor shape and was outworked by Barrett, who continued to dominate for the remaining 10 rounds.

The Dublin fighter had failed to capitalise on the opportunity to finish his opponent when he was struggling to maintain his footing in round two, and he paid the price when Barrett recovered to record a 97-92 victory over Kenna, who is a brother of former Galway United manager and Irish international, Jeff Kenna.

For more, read page 32 of this week's Connacht Sentinel.