DOWNPATRICK boxer Rio McMenamin announced himself on the big stage when he was crowned Ulster Nine Counties champion on Sunday.
Fighting in the 57kg division, he overcame Jordan Clarke, from Ledley Hall Boxing Club, in the semi-finals before going on to conquer former champion Yacub Khalifa, from Antrtim, in a 4-1 split decision in Belfast.
The 17 year-old, who fights out of the Downpatrick Boxing Academy, has boxed for most of his young life.
He briefly gave up the sport, but picked up his gloves again three years ago.
Since returning to ring, there has been no doubting his dedication and hunger to succeed – he trains at least five times a week and runs every day.
He is trained by his father Emmanuel, older brother Ty and coach Danny Quinn – a team that had to get their thinking caps ahead of Sunday’s final and develop a strategy that would give him the best chance of beating an opponent that has a proven track record in the competition.
“Yacub is normally a front foot fighter and we didn’t want to let him fight to his strengths. So, we trained Rio to fight on the front foot and put his opponent under pressure,” Emmanuel said.
“This surprised Yacub, who was expecting to fight with his usual game plan and didn’t expect Rio to take it to him.”
Emmanuel may have provided advice and instructions on the style of fighting, but after that it was all down to Rio’s execution – and Dad was full of praise for his son.
“It was a good fight and a close fight, but Rio was smart, his movement was brilliant and he picked his punches well,” he said.
“The fact that he has been to a few finals and not won shows just how big this moment is for him and the progress he has made. This is a huge moment for him and he has the skill, determination and mindset to go further.”
This title success represents a landmark victory for the teenager and could get his career up and running, having recently left school and taken a year out to focus on boxing.
Emmanuel was quick to highlight just how important the win was to not only Rio, but also to those around him.
“It meant a lot to him, but it also meant a lot to all of us at the club. He’s dedicated, has a good team around him and really deserved this,” he remarked.
“We’re hoping his success will attract a lot more young boxers to come down to the club. We’ve got about 10 kids at the moment and only three or four of them are fighting competitively.”
Rio will now be brimming with confidence, coming off the back of such a momentous victory, and will now have his sights on more titles.
His next outing will be the county championships and qualification for the U-18 All Irelands.
His ultimate dream is to represent Team Ireland at the Olympics – and then turn professional.