International success for Shannon Sweeney

LEADING THE WAY Shannon Sweeney’s growing reputation was further enhanced this week in Romania. Pic: Sportsfile

Michael Gallagher

The rise of Westport boxer Shannon Sweeney on the international stage continued in Romania last week when she won the 48kg category at the Golden Belt Nicolae Linca tournament in Tagrr Mures.
The St Anne’s fighter was highly impressive all week, but saved her best for the final when she dominated her bout against Romania’s Steluta Delta. The home fighter was forced to take standing counts in the second and third rounds as Sweeney showed the watching world that she’s very comfortable at international level.
She arrived home to a hero’s welcome over the weekend and President of St Anne’s BC, Peter Mullen told The Mayo News he expects Sweeney to come back with many more international belts in the coming months.
“She’s a class act and she’s getting better every time she gets into the ring. We always knew she was special, but to go to a multi-nations in Romania and win so comfortably against top opposition shows the level she’s at now. Knowing Shannon, she won’t be happy with that though. She’s already back in the gym looking to be better and better. I haven’t seen many like her in my time,” the former Irish senior champion explained.
St Anne’s will be hoping for more international silverware this week when Irish champion Laura Moran travels to Sofia in Bulgaria to contest the 70kg category at the European Youth Championships in Sofia.
The 24-fighter squad has just concluded a week long training camp in Louth, and depart for Sofia today (Tuesday).
The draw takes place tomorrow (Wednesday) and boxing begins on Thursday.