2014 EUBC European School Boy Championships
Our very talented James McMeekin (Mac) represented England at the European Schoolboy Boxing Championships. Mac, his family and his coach Anthony Railton jetted off to Keszthely, Hungary to compete at the highest level of schoolboy boxing on the back of a very successful few months.
In April, he claimed his third successive national title when he beat highly-rated Issac Johnson at the England Boxing Schoolboy Championships, before he claimed a Three Nations title with a win over Wales’ Rhys Edwards in May.
He followed that up with another win, this time over Irish champion Cilliane Spillaine, when he captained his country at a dual international in County Monaghan.
Mac, controlled that bout from the start with skilful combinations and plenty of drive to push back his opponent, using upper-cuts to upset the Irishman’s rhythm.
Mac's first fight in Hungary was against Conal Ross (Ireland). Mac pursued his opponent non-stop for three rounds. Punishing body shots paved the way to a solid victory win against a game Irish opponent.
His second fight in the quarter finals which he sadley lost against Armando Rostas (Hungary). Mac pursued the local boxer for three rounds before a partisan crowd, but the tricky Hungarian southpaw snatched the closest of split decisions.
His coach, Anthony Railton (Shildon ABC) went to support Mac and was with him every step of the way he said “I thought it was a scrappy fight but Mac definitely won. When they announced the decision we both felt robbed of a medal which Mac has worked very hard for. Weeks leading up to the championships both myself and Mac had eyes set on a Bronze medal, anything after that would have been a bonus. The trip was an excellent experience and Mac will learn a lot from this. We were obviously very disappointed but Mac should still be very proud as he is still the champion in my eyes and am sure he will bounce back and come back even stronger."
Mac would like to thank Head Coach, John Heighington and his sparring partners Andrew Winter and the "Wasp" Aaron for all their help and support in Mac's training.
Mac would like to say a special Thank You to his Coach, Anthony Railton for joining him on his trip to Hungary.
The club would like to congratulate Mac on his success for 2014 and are confident that next years season will be as successful. WELL DONE MAC!!