The Erne Boxing Club had a rewarding visit to Iceland with both competing boxers scoring hard fought points wins on the Hnefaleikafèlag Boxing Club tournament in Kópavogs.

The Erne Boxing Club were delighted to be first club from Ireland to bring boxers to compete there and Bernard McGovern was first in action against Fannar Ragnarsson in an Elite 64kgs contest.

Ragnarsson had significant height and reach advantages but McGovern boxed very smartly and was adept at closing the range to frequently land with precise punches.

McGovern’s good movement befuddled his Icelandic opponent and in the latter half of the round his sustained pressure forced the referee to issue his opponent a standing count.

McGovern maintained his good work in round two and again his opponent had to take a count after a series of good body shots.

In the final round Ragnarsson rallied but McGovern soon resumed control and ran out a clear points winner.

The victory was McGovern’s eight out of nine since returning to the sport and his fifth against international opposition.

Another boxer in good form was Joe Gannon who scored a unanimous points win over Kristòfer Vihjàlmsson in a titanic battle also in the Elite 64kgs class.

Vihjàlmsson started very fast and put Gannon under pressure but once Gannon established his jab he got a foothold in the contest and as the round progressed he started to back up his strong opponent.

The first round was close to call but the second session was dominated by Joe Gannon as he outworked his opponent from start to finish scoring with good jabs and crosses.

In round three Vihjàlmsson came storming back and Gannon had to ride out a storm of punches but down the stretch he resumed control and scored with some good shots to take another close session before collecting a deserved unanimous points win.

Erne Boxing Club Head Coach Sean Crowley explained:

“This trip was very much a step into the unknown for us as we had no idea what the standard or style of boxing would be over here.

“Both McGovern and Gannon did exceptionally well. Their good fundamental skills and ring craft saw them overcome two good and determined opponents and the local boxing coaches were very impressed with them.”

Next up for the Erne Boxing Club is their home tournament in the Donn Carragh Hotel, Lisnaskea this Saturday starting at 2pm.

The competition continue the international flavour as boxing teams from New York, USA and Selby, England are visiting to compete.

“Early in the year we visited Selby in January and then to Newburgh in April; now its our turn to host them,” said Crowley.

“This is going to be a fantastic afternoon of boxing, the Newburgh team is supported by several boxers from the New York state and include a couple of multiple USA champions.

“One of the boxers visiting Mazzi Goldstone was recently featured in Sports Illustrated and has been touted as the next Floyd Mayweather,” commented coach Crowley.