Athlone boxer knocks out Canadian

Athlone Boxing Club"s Kenneth Okungbowa represented Ireland at a select international boxing tournament against Canada in Cavan recently. The eagerly awaited super heavyweight contest between Justin Atkinson (Ontario, Canada) and the Athlone boxer turned out to be a thrilling bout that had the large audience on their feet for most of the contest. Kenneth, who has stopped his last five opponents, again did not disappoint as he opened up with a flurry of head and body shots which slowed down a fast moving opponent. Atkinson, the Canadian east coast area champion, showed a lot of know-how and was leading 2-1 after the first round but, through superior fitness and pure grit, Kenneth forced him into a standing count in round 2 and opened up a 5-3 lead going into a the last round. National pride was at stake as both fighters fought tooth and nail to secure a victory in the third and final round but Kenneth"s perseverance endured, as he pounded the Canadian with some huge shots and knocked his opponent out to win his biggest fight to date much to the delight of all at the club. The tall Okungbowa and the Ontario State champion Atkinson went at it right from the opening bell, with the Athlone Community College student"s better conditioning and fitness eventually seeing him through to a stoppage victory in the final round. Both boys left the ring to a standing ovation. Also starring on the night was Mullingar"s Olympic hero John Joe Nevin. JJ easily disposed of his opponent in round 2 after he succumbed to enormous pressure and punches which were delivered from every possible angle. The referee had no choice but to stop the contest. Meanwhile, another Athlone Boxing Club member, Eamon Touhy, has been picked to box for Leinster against a Dublin selection in a 60kg bout on Saturday, May 30.